TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Republican gubernatorial front-runner Byron Donalds said Wednesday he expects Gov. Ron DeSantis to endorse his campaign and join him on the campaign trail if he secures the GOP nomination, signaling confidence that any lingering tensions between the two Republicans will give way before the general election.
Speaking during an interview with Bloomberg, Donalds said he believes DeSantis shares his vision for Florida’s future despite the governor’s continued refusal to endorse a candidate in the Republican primary.
“I believe that Governor DeSantis completely agrees with us about the next steps for Florida,” Donalds said. “And so I look forward to having his endorsement and being out there on the campaign trail with him.”
DeSantis Has Yet to Endorse
The comments come even as DeSantis has repeatedly declined to back a successor with less than four weeks remaining before Florida’s Aug. 18 Republican primary.
Earlier this year, DeSantis questioned Donalds’ role in many of the policy victories achieved during his administration, saying the congressman “hasn’t been a part of any of the victories that we’ve had here over the Left over these last years.”
Political observers have widely viewed the relationship between the two Republicans as strained since Donalds endorsed President Donald Trump over DeSantis during the 2024 Republican presidential primary.
Despite that history, Donalds has consistently downplayed any disagreement, saying he remains confident the governor will ultimately support the Republican nominee.
Debate Question Remains
Donalds also reiterated that he is unlikely to participate in a Republican gubernatorial debate before the primary.
Citing his significant polling advantage over opponents Jay Collins, James Fishback and Paul Renner, Donalds questioned the value of sharing a debate stage with candidates who continue to trail in public surveys.
“These candidates, they’re still in single digits,” Donalds said. “Why would I elevate you when you couldn’t elevate yourself?”
DeSantis has previously criticized the absence of debates, calling the situation a “farce” that limits opportunities for Republican voters to compare candidates before casting their ballots.
Property Tax Differences
The governor has also publicly disagreed with Donalds over the proposed constitutional amendment that would increase Florida’s homestead exemption.
Donalds has expressed concern that the measure could strain county and local government finances, while DeSantis has argued local governments have benefited from rapidly increasing property tax collections and should reduce spending rather than oppose tax relief.
The disagreement has underscored policy differences between the governor and the Republican candidate widely viewed as the favorite to succeed him.
Looking Ahead
With the Republican primary approaching, Donalds remains the clear front-runner in most public polling.
Whether DeSantis ultimately endorses Donalds before the primary—or waits until after Republicans choose their nominee—could become one of the final unanswered questions in Florida’s closely watched gubernatorial race.
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📄 Primary Sources
- Bloomberg Television
- Byron Donalds for Governor
Official Campaign Newsroom - Office of Governor Ron DeSantis
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