{"id":2421,"date":"2026-08-19T04:38:12","date_gmt":"2026-08-19T04:38:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blueroutejournal.com\/?p=2421"},"modified":"2026-08-19T04:38:12","modified_gmt":"2026-08-19T04:38:12","slug":"byron-donalds-cruises-to-victory-in-fight-to-succeed-desantis-as-florida-governor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blueroutejournal.com\/?p=2421","title":{"rendered":"Byron Donalds Cruises To Victory In Fight To Succeed DeSantis As Florida Governor"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Trump-backed Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) won the Republican nomination for governor Tuesday, clearing the way for a general election showdown to succeed Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) after a contentious primary that tested the future of Florida\u2019s conservative movement.<\/span><\/p>\n

Read more Scandals Sink Trump-Backed Congressman In Florida GOP Primary<\/a><\/p>\n

With 90% of the vote counted, Donalds is cruising to victory with about 48%, well ahead of Lt. Gov. Jay Collins (R-FL) at 25% and businessman James Fishback (R-FL) at 10%. Decision Desk HQ called the race at 8 p.m. ET.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI want to start by thanking God for all His blessings and protection over my family, and over my team,\u201d Donalds said in a Tuesday night celebration speech. \u201cTonight, the primary is over. Tonight, we put aside our differences. Tonight, we are one united Republican Party.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Donalds, like Trump, was born in New York City but has represented Florida\u2019s 19th Congressional District \u2014 which covers Southwest Florida along the Gulf Coast \u2014 in Washington since 2021. Widely viewed as a rising star in the Republican Party, Donalds was even floated as a potential vice presidential pick during the 2024 election cycle, <\/span>The Daily Wire<\/span> reported.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019d be a great honor, but it\u2019s his decision,\u201d Donalds said in a Nashville interview with The Daily Wire at the time. \u201cHe\u2019ll decide what he wants to do, and whatever his decision is, I\u2019m going to support that. I just want to win,\u201d he added. \u201cI\u2019m a real simple dude. I just want to win and be successful. That\u2019s it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

That attitude appeared to win over Trump, who jumped into the race in May, endorsing Donalds as a \u201chighly respected\u201d congressman who would help advance the \u201cAmerica First Agenda.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know Byron well, have seen him tested at the highest and most difficult levels, and he is a TOTAL WINNER,\u201d Trump <\/span>said<\/span> on Truth Social. \u201cByron Donalds will be a truly Great and Powerful Governor for Florida, and has my Complete and Total Endorsement \u2014 HE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

On the campaign trail, Donalds<\/span> ran<\/span> on advancing President Trump\u2019s agenda, cracking down on illegal immigration, ending \u201cwoke ideology\u201d in schools, and calling for an<\/span> end<\/span> to Cuba\u2019s communist regime in an effort to win over Florida\u2019s large Latino electorate. <\/span><\/p>\n

The former Democrat has also spoken openly about his born-again Christian conversion, which he says happened in a<\/span> Cracker Barrel<\/span> parking lot. As a young man, Donalds faced charges at 18 for marijuana possession and again at 20 in connection with a bank fraud scheme involving a bad check. The marijuana charge was dismissed after Donalds completed a pretrial diversion program, and he later had the fraud record sealed and expunged.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fishback, who has himself faced questions over <\/span>sexual misconduct allegations<\/span>, <\/span>financial disputes<\/span>, and <\/span>residency requirements<\/span>, sought to capitalize on Donalds\u2019 past but faced backlash after calling the GOP front-runner a \u201cDEI hire\u201d and a <\/span>\u201cslave\u201d<\/span> to corporate interests.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI will apologize for calling Byron Donalds a slave when he gives back the $81 million he has taken from AIPAC, hedge-fund billionaires, and special interests who are trying to pave over the state and turn us into a concrete jungle,\u201d Fishback <\/span>told<\/span> reporters.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Read more DOGE Chair Sets Sights On \u2018Scam-ilies\u2019: The Obvious Loophole Making It Impossible To Stop Fraud<\/a><\/p>\n

The 31-year-old, who is closely <\/span>aligned with Tucker Carlson<\/span>, ran a headline-grabbing, grievance-filled campaign built around issues he believed would resonate with the Gen Z right, including banning data centers, suspending aid to Israel, implementing a \u201csin\u201d tax on OnlyFans, and ending what he called the H-1B visa \u201cscam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

DeSantis, barred from seeking a third term, largely stayed on the sidelines as the primary unfolded. He praised former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner while withholding an endorsement and took a pointed swipe at Donalds last year.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve achieved victories in Florida,\u201d DeSantis <\/span>said<\/span> during a press conference last year. \u201cA guy like Byron, he just hasn\u2019t been a part of any of the victories that we\u2019ve had here over the Left over these last years.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Donalds and DeSantis were once close allies, but their relationship fractured in 2023 after Donalds broke with the governor over controversial education standards. The<\/span> standards said enslaved people developed skills that could later be \u201capplied for their personal benefit,\u201d according to the Associated Press.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Donalds pushed back publicly at the time, writing on social media: \u201cThe new African-American standards in FL are good, robust, & accurate. That being said, the attempt to feature the personal benefits of slavery is wrong & needs to be adjusted.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking ahead, Donalds said <\/span>he expects<\/span> to earn the governor\u2019s support as he prepares to carry the DeSantis legacy forward. <\/span>Donalds has vowed to continue Florida\u2019s fight against \u201cwoke\u201d ideology in schools and state government. <\/span><\/p>\n

Under DeSantis, Florida has become a national battleground over culture-war fights, including DEI, abortion, and transgender issues. The state recently scored a major legal victory in its three-year fight over a law restricting minors from attending sexually explicit live performances, including drag shows.<\/span><\/p>\n

November\u2019s election will effectively mark the end of the DeSantis era, which transformed Florida from a purple swing state into a ruby-red bastion for conservatives nationwide. Florida\u2019s Republican advantage has grown dramatically in recent years, holding a roughly <\/span>1.5 million-voter registration edge<\/span> over Democrats. To win statewide, the Democrats would need to overcome the GOP\u2019s registration lead by winning back Hispanics and persuading a large bloc of conservative-leaning voters who have backed Republicans in statewide elections.<\/span><\/p>\n

This fall, Donalds will face Democratic nominee David Jolly, a former Republican congressman turned Democrat who wants to repeal Florida\u2019s abortion ban and is leaning into identity politics.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCulture wars divide and demonize. Florida should reject the politics of division and hate, and instead create a home where everyone is valued, respected, and welcomed,\u201d Jolly\u2019s campaign website reads. \u201cFlorida should embrace our immigrant community and celebrate their contributions to our state\u2019s culture and economy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Read more New Detail Emerges About What Hayden Panettiere Was Taking Before Her Death<\/a><\/p>\n

The <\/span>Cook Political Report<\/span> rates the race as Solid Republican.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Trump-backed Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) won the Republican nomination for governor Tuesday, clearing the way for a general election showdown to succeed Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) after a contentious primary that tested the future of Florida\u2019s conservative movement.With 90% of the vote counted, Donalds is cruising to victory with about 48%, well ahead of Lt. Gov. Jay Collins (R-FL) at 25% and businessman James Fishback (R-FL) at 10%. Decision Desk HQ called the race at 8 p.m. ET.\u201cI want to start by thanking God for all His blessings and protection over my family, and over my team,\u201d Donalds said in a Tuesday night celebration speech. \u201cTonight, the primary is over. Tonight, we put aside our differences. Tonight, we are one united Republican Party.\u201dDonalds, like Trump, was born in New York City but has represented Florida\u2019s 19th Congressional District \u2014 which covers Southwest Florida along the Gulf Coast \u2014 in Washington since 2021. Widely viewed as a rising star in the Republican Party, Donalds was even floated as a potential vice presidential pick during the 2024 election cycle, The Daily Wire reported.\u00a0\u201cIt\u2019d be a great honor, but it\u2019s his decision,\u201d Donalds said in a Nashville interview with The Daily Wire at the time. \u201cHe\u2019ll decide what he wants to do, and whatever his decision is, I\u2019m going to support that. I just want to win,\u201d he added. \u201cI\u2019m a real simple dude. I just want to win and be successful. That\u2019s it.\u201dThat attitude appeared to win over Trump, who jumped into the race in May, endorsing Donalds as a \u201chighly respected\u201d congressman who would help advance the \u201cAmerica First Agenda.\u201d\u201cI know Byron well, have seen him tested at the highest and most difficult levels, and he is a TOTAL WINNER,\u201d Trump said on Truth Social. \u201cByron Donalds will be a truly Great and Powerful Governor for Florida, and has my Complete and Total Endorsement \u2014 HE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN!\u201d\u00a0On the campaign trail, Donalds ran on advancing President Trump\u2019s agenda, cracking down on illegal immigration, ending \u201cwoke ideology\u201d in schools, and calling for an end to Cuba\u2019s communist regime in an effort to win over Florida\u2019s large Latino electorate. The former Democrat has also spoken openly about his born-again Christian conversion, which he says happened in a Cracker Barrel parking lot. As a young man, Donalds faced charges at 18 for marijuana possession and again at 20 in connection with a bank fraud scheme involving a bad check. The marijuana charge was dismissed after Donalds completed a pretrial diversion program, and he later had the fraud record sealed and expunged.Fishback, who has himself faced questions over sexual misconduct allegations, financial disputes, and residency requirements, sought to capitalize on Donalds\u2019 past but faced backlash after calling the GOP front-runner a \u201cDEI hire\u201d and a \u201cslave\u201d to corporate interests.\u201cI will apologize for calling Byron Donalds a slave when he gives back the $81 million he has taken from AIPAC, hedge-fund billionaires, and special interests who are trying to pave over the state and turn us into a concrete jungle,\u201d Fishback told reporters.\u00a0The 31-year-old, who is closely aligned with Tucker Carlson, ran a headline-grabbing, grievance-filled campaign built around issues he believed would resonate with the Gen Z right, including banning data centers, suspending aid to Israel, implementing a \u201csin\u201d tax on OnlyFans, and ending what he called the H-1B visa \u201cscam.\u201dDeSantis, barred from seeking a third term, largely stayed on the sidelines as the primary unfolded. He praised former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner while withholding an endorsement and took a pointed swipe at Donalds last year.\u201cWe\u2019ve achieved victories in Florida,\u201d DeSantis said during a press conference last year. \u201cA guy like Byron, he just hasn\u2019t been a part of any of the victories that we\u2019ve had here over the Left over these last years.\u201dDonalds and DeSantis were once close allies, but their relationship fractured in 2023 after Donalds broke with the governor over controversial education standards. The standards said enslaved people developed skills that could later be \u201capplied for their personal benefit,\u201d according to the Associated Press.\u00a0Donalds pushed back publicly at the time, writing on social media: \u201cThe new African-American standards in FL are good, robust, & accurate. That being said, the attempt to feature the personal benefits of slavery is wrong & needs to be adjusted.\u201dLooking ahead, Donalds said he expects to earn the governor\u2019s support as he prepares to carry the DeSantis legacy forward. Donalds has vowed to continue Florida\u2019s fight against \u201cwoke\u201d ideology in schools and state government. Under DeSantis, Florida has become a national battleground over culture-war fights, including DEI, abortion, and transgender issues. The state recently scored a major legal victory in its three-year fight over a law restricting minors from attending sexually explicit live performances, including drag shows.November\u2019s election will effectively mark the end of the DeSantis era, which transformed Florida from a purple swing state into a ruby-red bastion for conservatives nationwide. Florida\u2019s Republican advantage has grown dramatically in recent years, holding a roughly 1.5 million-voter registration edge over Democrats. To win statewide, the Democrats would need to overcome the GOP\u2019s registration lead by winning back Hispanics and persuading a large bloc of conservative-leaning voters who have backed Republicans in statewide elections.This fall, Donalds will face Democratic nominee David Jolly, a former Republican congressman turned Democrat who wants to repeal Florida\u2019s abortion ban and is leaning into identity politics.\u00a0\u201cCulture wars divide and demonize. Florida should reject the politics of division and hate, and instead create a home where everyone is valued, respected, and welcomed,\u201d Jolly\u2019s campaign website reads. \u201cFlorida should embrace our immigrant community and celebrate their contributions to our state\u2019s culture and economy.\u201dThe Cook Political Report rates the race as Solid Republican.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2420,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2421","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news-2"],"yoast_head":"\nByron Donalds Cruises To Victory In Fight To Succeed DeSantis As Florida Governor - Blue Route Journal<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/blueroutejournal.com\/?p=2421\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Byron Donalds Cruises To Victory In Fight To Succeed DeSantis As Florida Governor - Blue Route Journal\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Trump-backed Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) won the Republican nomination for governor Tuesday, clearing the way for a general election showdown to succeed Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) after a contentious primary that tested the future of Florida\u2019s conservative movement.With 90% of the vote counted, Donalds is cruising to victory with about 48%, well ahead of Lt. Gov. Jay Collins (R-FL) at 25% and businessman James Fishback (R-FL) at 10%. Decision Desk HQ called the race at 8 p.m. ET.\u201cI want to start by thanking God for all His blessings and protection over my family, and over my team,\u201d Donalds said in a Tuesday night celebration speech. \u201cTonight, the primary is over. Tonight, we put aside our differences. Tonight, we are one united Republican Party.\u201dDonalds, like Trump, was born in New York City but has represented Florida\u2019s 19th Congressional District \u2014 which covers Southwest Florida along the Gulf Coast \u2014 in Washington since 2021. Widely viewed as a rising star in the Republican Party, Donalds was even floated as a potential vice presidential pick during the 2024 election cycle, The Daily Wire reported.\u00a0\u201cIt\u2019d be a great honor, but it\u2019s his decision,\u201d Donalds said in a Nashville interview with The Daily Wire at the time. \u201cHe\u2019ll decide what he wants to do, and whatever his decision is, I\u2019m going to support that. I just want to win,\u201d he added. \u201cI\u2019m a real simple dude. I just want to win and be successful. That\u2019s it.\u201dThat attitude appeared to win over Trump, who jumped into the race in May, endorsing Donalds as a \u201chighly respected\u201d congressman who would help advance the \u201cAmerica First Agenda.\u201d\u201cI know Byron well, have seen him tested at the highest and most difficult levels, and he is a TOTAL WINNER,\u201d Trump said on Truth Social. \u201cByron Donalds will be a truly Great and Powerful Governor for Florida, and has my Complete and Total Endorsement \u2014 HE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN!\u201d\u00a0On the campaign trail, Donalds ran on advancing President Trump\u2019s agenda, cracking down on illegal immigration, ending \u201cwoke ideology\u201d in schools, and calling for an end to Cuba\u2019s communist regime in an effort to win over Florida\u2019s large Latino electorate. The former Democrat has also spoken openly about his born-again Christian conversion, which he says happened in a Cracker Barrel parking lot. As a young man, Donalds faced charges at 18 for marijuana possession and again at 20 in connection with a bank fraud scheme involving a bad check. The marijuana charge was dismissed after Donalds completed a pretrial diversion program, and he later had the fraud record sealed and expunged.Fishback, who has himself faced questions over sexual misconduct allegations, financial disputes, and residency requirements, sought to capitalize on Donalds\u2019 past but faced backlash after calling the GOP front-runner a \u201cDEI hire\u201d and a \u201cslave\u201d to corporate interests.\u201cI will apologize for calling Byron Donalds a slave when he gives back the $81 million he has taken from AIPAC, hedge-fund billionaires, and special interests who are trying to pave over the state and turn us into a concrete jungle,\u201d Fishback told reporters.\u00a0The 31-year-old, who is closely aligned with Tucker Carlson, ran a headline-grabbing, grievance-filled campaign built around issues he believed would resonate with the Gen Z right, including banning data centers, suspending aid to Israel, implementing a \u201csin\u201d tax on OnlyFans, and ending what he called the H-1B visa \u201cscam.\u201dDeSantis, barred from seeking a third term, largely stayed on the sidelines as the primary unfolded. He praised former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner while withholding an endorsement and took a pointed swipe at Donalds last year.\u201cWe\u2019ve achieved victories in Florida,\u201d DeSantis said during a press conference last year. \u201cA guy like Byron, he just hasn\u2019t been a part of any of the victories that we\u2019ve had here over the Left over these last years.\u201dDonalds and DeSantis were once close allies, but their relationship fractured in 2023 after Donalds broke with the governor over controversial education standards. The standards said enslaved people developed skills that could later be \u201capplied for their personal benefit,\u201d according to the Associated Press.\u00a0Donalds pushed back publicly at the time, writing on social media: \u201cThe new African-American standards in FL are good, robust, & accurate. That being said, the attempt to feature the personal benefits of slavery is wrong & needs to be adjusted.\u201dLooking ahead, Donalds said he expects to earn the governor\u2019s support as he prepares to carry the DeSantis legacy forward. Donalds has vowed to continue Florida\u2019s fight against \u201cwoke\u201d ideology in schools and state government. Under DeSantis, Florida has become a national battleground over culture-war fights, including DEI, abortion, and transgender issues. The state recently scored a major legal victory in its three-year fight over a law restricting minors from attending sexually explicit live performances, including drag shows.November\u2019s election will effectively mark the end of the DeSantis era, which transformed Florida from a purple swing state into a ruby-red bastion for conservatives nationwide. Florida\u2019s Republican advantage has grown dramatically in recent years, holding a roughly 1.5 million-voter registration edge over Democrats. To win statewide, the Democrats would need to overcome the GOP\u2019s registration lead by winning back Hispanics and persuading a large bloc of conservative-leaning voters who have backed Republicans in statewide elections.This fall, Donalds will face Democratic nominee David Jolly, a former Republican congressman turned Democrat who wants to repeal Florida\u2019s abortion ban and is leaning into identity politics.\u00a0\u201cCulture wars divide and demonize. Florida should reject the politics of division and hate, and instead create a home where everyone is valued, respected, and welcomed,\u201d Jolly\u2019s campaign website reads. \u201cFlorida should embrace our immigrant community and celebrate their contributions to our state\u2019s culture and economy.\u201dThe Cook Political Report rates the race as Solid Republican.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/blueroutejournal.com\/?p=2421\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Blue Route Journal\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-08-19T04:38:12+00:00\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"admin\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"admin\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blueroutejournal.com\\\/?p=2421#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blueroutejournal.com\\\/?p=2421\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"admin\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blueroutejournal.com\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/19da116f8d79cf8987781569801c6b7c\"},\"headline\":\"Byron Donalds Cruises To Victory In Fight To Succeed DeSantis As Florida Governor\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-08-19T04:38:12+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blueroutejournal.com\\\/?p=2421\"},\"wordCount\":1030,\"commentCount\":0,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blueroutejournal.com\\\/?p=2421#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blueroutejournal.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/08\\\/f6c0b691ae891b767e9bb12b7c270147.avif\",\"articleSection\":[\"News\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/blueroutejournal.com\\\/?p=2421#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blueroutejournal.com\\\/?p=2421\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blueroutejournal.com\\\/?p=2421\",\"name\":\"Byron Donalds Cruises To Victory In Fight To Succeed DeSantis As Florida Governor - 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Blue Route Journal","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/blueroutejournal.com\/?p=2421","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Byron Donalds Cruises To Victory In Fight To Succeed DeSantis As Florida Governor - Blue Route Journal","og_description":"Trump-backed Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) won the Republican nomination for governor Tuesday, clearing the way for a general election showdown to succeed Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) after a contentious primary that tested the future of Florida\u2019s conservative movement.With 90% of the vote counted, Donalds is cruising to victory with about 48%, well ahead of Lt. Gov. Jay Collins (R-FL) at 25% and businessman James Fishback (R-FL) at 10%. Decision Desk HQ called the race at 8 p.m. ET.\u201cI want to start by thanking God for all His blessings and protection over my family, and over my team,\u201d Donalds said in a Tuesday night celebration speech. \u201cTonight, the primary is over. Tonight, we put aside our differences. Tonight, we are one united Republican Party.\u201dDonalds, like Trump, was born in New York City but has represented Florida\u2019s 19th Congressional District \u2014 which covers Southwest Florida along the Gulf Coast \u2014 in Washington since 2021. Widely viewed as a rising star in the Republican Party, Donalds was even floated as a potential vice presidential pick during the 2024 election cycle, The Daily Wire reported.\u00a0\u201cIt\u2019d be a great honor, but it\u2019s his decision,\u201d Donalds said in a Nashville interview with The Daily Wire at the time. \u201cHe\u2019ll decide what he wants to do, and whatever his decision is, I\u2019m going to support that. I just want to win,\u201d he added. \u201cI\u2019m a real simple dude. I just want to win and be successful. That\u2019s it.\u201dThat attitude appeared to win over Trump, who jumped into the race in May, endorsing Donalds as a \u201chighly respected\u201d congressman who would help advance the \u201cAmerica First Agenda.\u201d\u201cI know Byron well, have seen him tested at the highest and most difficult levels, and he is a TOTAL WINNER,\u201d Trump said on Truth Social. \u201cByron Donalds will be a truly Great and Powerful Governor for Florida, and has my Complete and Total Endorsement \u2014 HE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN!\u201d\u00a0On the campaign trail, Donalds ran on advancing President Trump\u2019s agenda, cracking down on illegal immigration, ending \u201cwoke ideology\u201d in schools, and calling for an end to Cuba\u2019s communist regime in an effort to win over Florida\u2019s large Latino electorate. The former Democrat has also spoken openly about his born-again Christian conversion, which he says happened in a Cracker Barrel parking lot. As a young man, Donalds faced charges at 18 for marijuana possession and again at 20 in connection with a bank fraud scheme involving a bad check. The marijuana charge was dismissed after Donalds completed a pretrial diversion program, and he later had the fraud record sealed and expunged.Fishback, who has himself faced questions over sexual misconduct allegations, financial disputes, and residency requirements, sought to capitalize on Donalds\u2019 past but faced backlash after calling the GOP front-runner a \u201cDEI hire\u201d and a \u201cslave\u201d to corporate interests.\u201cI will apologize for calling Byron Donalds a slave when he gives back the $81 million he has taken from AIPAC, hedge-fund billionaires, and special interests who are trying to pave over the state and turn us into a concrete jungle,\u201d Fishback told reporters.\u00a0The 31-year-old, who is closely aligned with Tucker Carlson, ran a headline-grabbing, grievance-filled campaign built around issues he believed would resonate with the Gen Z right, including banning data centers, suspending aid to Israel, implementing a \u201csin\u201d tax on OnlyFans, and ending what he called the H-1B visa \u201cscam.\u201dDeSantis, barred from seeking a third term, largely stayed on the sidelines as the primary unfolded. He praised former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner while withholding an endorsement and took a pointed swipe at Donalds last year.\u201cWe\u2019ve achieved victories in Florida,\u201d DeSantis said during a press conference last year. \u201cA guy like Byron, he just hasn\u2019t been a part of any of the victories that we\u2019ve had here over the Left over these last years.\u201dDonalds and DeSantis were once close allies, but their relationship fractured in 2023 after Donalds broke with the governor over controversial education standards. The standards said enslaved people developed skills that could later be \u201capplied for their personal benefit,\u201d according to the Associated Press.\u00a0Donalds pushed back publicly at the time, writing on social media: \u201cThe new African-American standards in FL are good, robust, & accurate. That being said, the attempt to feature the personal benefits of slavery is wrong & needs to be adjusted.\u201dLooking ahead, Donalds said he expects to earn the governor\u2019s support as he prepares to carry the DeSantis legacy forward. Donalds has vowed to continue Florida\u2019s fight against \u201cwoke\u201d ideology in schools and state government. Under DeSantis, Florida has become a national battleground over culture-war fights, including DEI, abortion, and transgender issues. The state recently scored a major legal victory in its three-year fight over a law restricting minors from attending sexually explicit live performances, including drag shows.November\u2019s election will effectively mark the end of the DeSantis era, which transformed Florida from a purple swing state into a ruby-red bastion for conservatives nationwide. Florida\u2019s Republican advantage has grown dramatically in recent years, holding a roughly 1.5 million-voter registration edge over Democrats. To win statewide, the Democrats would need to overcome the GOP\u2019s registration lead by winning back Hispanics and persuading a large bloc of conservative-leaning voters who have backed Republicans in statewide elections.This fall, Donalds will face Democratic nominee David Jolly, a former Republican congressman turned Democrat who wants to repeal Florida\u2019s abortion ban and is leaning into identity politics.\u00a0\u201cCulture wars divide and demonize. Florida should reject the politics of division and hate, and instead create a home where everyone is valued, respected, and welcomed,\u201d Jolly\u2019s campaign website reads. \u201cFlorida should embrace our immigrant community and celebrate their contributions to our state\u2019s culture and economy.\u201dThe Cook Political Report rates the race as Solid Republican.","og_url":"https:\/\/blueroutejournal.com\/?p=2421","og_site_name":"Blue Route Journal","article_published_time":"2026-08-19T04:38:12+00:00","author":"admin","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"admin","Est. reading time":"5 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/blueroutejournal.com\/?p=2421#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/blueroutejournal.com\/?p=2421"},"author":{"name":"admin","@id":"https:\/\/blueroutejournal.com\/#\/schema\/person\/19da116f8d79cf8987781569801c6b7c"},"headline":"Byron Donalds Cruises To Victory In Fight To Succeed DeSantis As Florida Governor","datePublished":"2026-08-19T04:38:12+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/blueroutejournal.com\/?p=2421"},"wordCount":1030,"commentCount":0,"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/blueroutejournal.com\/?p=2421#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/blueroutejournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/f6c0b691ae891b767e9bb12b7c270147.avif","articleSection":["News"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/blueroutejournal.com\/?p=2421#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/blueroutejournal.com\/?p=2421","url":"https:\/\/blueroutejournal.com\/?p=2421","name":"Byron Donalds Cruises To Victory In Fight To Succeed DeSantis As Florida Governor - 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