Staff Reports
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis found himself in the middle of a spat that makes for great political theater as he took a jab at a potential successor who has won the favor of none other than Donald Trump. During a stop in Tampa, DeSantis seemed to shoot some shade at Congressman Byron Donalds, the name on many tongues as a candidate for the 2026 gubernatorial race. It’s a curious turn of events, considering that DeSantis has been pitching his wife, Casey DeSantis, as the one who should take the reins once he’s term-limited out.
The political drama escalated when Trump publicly endorsed Donalds, despite the congressman not even having declared his candidacy yet. Trump didn’t mince words, branding Donalds as a “TOTAL WINNER” and heartily encouraging him to dive into the race. It was the kind of endorsement that sends a clear message: this is the man to watch.
Desantis today trashes Trump’s endorsement of Byron Donalds for FL Gov in 2026 & House Republicans generally: “They haven’t done very much yet. You got a guy like Byron, he just hasn’t been part of the victories we’ve had in FL. He’s been in other states campaigning.” pic.twitter.com/lDYK7SWaBQ
— Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) February 24, 2025
In response to Trump’s enthusiastic nod to Donalds, DeSantis played the “he’s not one of us” card, questioning what role Donalds has had in securing Florida’s recent victories against the left. It’s a bold claim, especially since it’s common knowledge that Donalds has spent his fair share of time supporting Trump’s campaign on a national scale—making stops that likely won him some fans outside of Florida. Meanwhile, DeSantis avoided bringing up his own habit of gallivanting across the country during key times of his governorship. The irony isn’t lost here.
The governor pointedly remarked that while Florida has enjoyed significant victories, Donalds has been absent from the state’s political landscape. DeSantis must have forgotten that much of that “absence” was spent helping elect the guy who’s currently endorsing Donalds. Perhaps a reminder that all politics really is a game of perception might be in order for him.
And while Donalds appeared unfazed by the criticism, sticking to the high road—probably advised by someone who knows how to navigate a competitive political environment—the Governor’s focus on promoting his wife as an ideal heir suggests that he might just be more concerned about maintaining his legacy than uniting the party. His assertion that Casey would far exceed his accomplishments points to a level of confidence (or desperation) meant to keep the focus off his current challenges.
What remains clear is that Florida politics is heating up as 2026 looms, and it’s hard not to chuckle at how two potential heirs to the crown are trying to establish their territory while juggling Trump’s oversized endorsement and DeSantis’s ambitions. Buckle up; it’s going to be an entertaining ride.
