Florida Rep. Byron Donalds has amassed $22 million for his gubernatorial campaign since entering the race in February, a fundraising total that dwarfs his two dozen rivals and solidifies his position as the frontrunner to succeed Gov. Ron DeSantis. The congressman pulled in an additional $10 million during the second quarter alone, bringing his cash on hand to $20 million.
The fundraising haul underscores Donalds' early dominance in what could be Florida's most consequential gubernatorial primary in years, powered by President Trump's endorsement and support from major Republican donors who previously backed DeSantis.
Donalds received Trump's backing before he even announced his candidacy, with the president posting "RUN, BYRON, RUN!" on social media in February1. The endorsement preceded Donalds' official campaign launch on Feb. 26, when he immediately raised $12 million2.
According to Axios, the campaign's contributors include billionaires Thomas Peterffy, Dick Uihlein and former Nebraska Sen. Pete Ricketts, all former DeSantis donors2. Businessman Jeff Yass contributed $5 million, while entrepreneurs Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss also donated to the campaign23.
"Byron Donalds' campaign is moving full speed ahead," said campaign spokeswoman Danielle Alvarez. "He has the coveted Trump endorsement, the proven conservative record, and a $22 million warchest"4.
The fundraising announcement comes as Donalds prepares to appear alongside Trump and DeSantis at a Florida press conference Tuesday, highlighting the complex dynamics between the termed-out governor and his potential successor1. DeSantis became embittered with Donalds in 2023 when the congressman backed Trump over DeSantis in the presidential primary1.
DeSantis has publicly criticized Donalds for being absent on state culture war issues, while Donalds has refrained from responding and continues to praise the governor publicly1. The governor had hoped his wife, First Lady Casey DeSantis, would seek the office, but she has not officially entered the race2.
Donalds, who would become the first Black Republican governor since Reconstruction, holds about a five-point lead over Democratic candidate David Jolly, with roughly one-third of voters undecided, according to Victory Insights polling1. The Brooklyn native moved to Florida over 20 years ago and has served in Congress since 20201.
Florida's Republican registration advantage of more than 1 million voters makes the GOP primary the de facto general election2. As Donalds told Governing magazine when asked about Democratic opposition: "Yeah, they're pretty much dead"1.
