Byron Donalds’ Gubernatorial Race Is in Full Swing

As rumored challenger Casey DeSantis fights off corruption allegations, Donalds raised more than $11.5 million last month, including $5 million from megadonor Jeff Yass.

Byron Donalds

Jose Luis Magana/AP

A year-and-a-half out from Florida’s governor’s race, Byron Donalds is already boxing out candidates by racking up endorsements from Republican lawmakers.

Meanwhile, his highest profile likely challenger, Florida’s first lady, Casey DeSantis, is busy fighting off a growing corruption scandal over allegations her nonprofit Hope Florida funneled $10 million in taxpayer funds toward political ads. Though Casey DeSantis hasn’t officially joined the race, both she and her husband have hinted at her possible running.

When reporters asked her in February if she was planning a run, she responded cryptically, “When you come to a fork in the road, take it.” NBC News reported in March that Gov. Ron DeSantis’ allies have been urging Florida Republicans to hold off endorsing Donalds.