NewsFox 13 News (WTVT) — Local NewsSeptember 2, 2026Hillsborough
Governor Ron DeSantis endorses Byron Donalds for Florida Governor
Governor Ron DeSantis has officially endorsed U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds for governor during a Republican leadership event in Tampa. This endorsement marks a public reconciliation between the two and sets the stage for the November 3 general election against Democratic candidate David Jolly.
Read the full story at Fox 13 News (WTVT) — Local NewsWhy It Matters
The endorsement clarifies the Republican primary field and signals a unified party strategy for the upcoming November 3 election, which will determine the state's executive leadership and policy direction.
Key Facts
- Governor Ron DeSantis endorsed U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds for governor.
- The general election is scheduled for November 3, 2024.
- Byron Donalds will face Democrat David Jolly in the gubernatorial race.
- DeSantis also endorsed the full Republican statewide ticket, including James Uthmeier, Blaise Ingoglia, and Wilton Simpson.
- The Republican ticket faces Democratic opponents Jose Javier Rodriguez, Annette Taddeo, and Joey Mendoza Atkins in their respective races.
- There are 64 days remaining until the midterm elections.
- DeSantis and Donalds had not appeared publicly together since July 2025.
Who's Mentioned
personRon DeSantis“Governor of Florida”personJoey Mendoza Atkins“Democratic candidate for agriculture commissioner”personGwen Graham“Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor”personWilton Simpson“Agriculture Commissioner”locationTampa“Location of the Republican Party of Florida Leadership Forum”personByron Donalds“U.S. Representative and gubernatorial candidate”personJose Javier Rodriguez“Democratic candidate for attorney general”personBlaise Ingoglia“Chief Financial Officer”personAnnette Taddeo“Democratic candidate for chief financial officer”personDavid Jolly“Democratic candidate for governor”personJames Uthmeier“Florida Attorney General”