Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ political operation is making calls to state lobbyists, urging them not to support Rep. Byron Donalds in his 2026 bid for governor, which has already garnered over $3 million in donations, including funds from President Donald Trump’s donors. The calls, aimed at Tallahassee-based lobbyists, are seen as a message to potential donors to avoid supporting Donalds’ campaign. There is speculation that DeSantis’ wife, Casey, may also enter the race, setting up a heavyweight GOP primary and continuing the political conflict between Trump and DeSantis.
As the calls intensify, tensions rise among lobbyists who need DeSantis to sign bills into law for their clients while also being asked not to support Donalds. DeSantis and his top political staffer Taryn Fenske are reported to have made some of these calls. Meanwhile, Casey DeSantis has not confirmed her plans to run, but there is speculation that she may enter the race to succeed her husband.
While Donalds has amassed a significant war chest for his campaign, DeSantis’ political operation is also well-funded, with a state-level political committee having $2.1 million cash on hand. The relationship between DeSantis and Donalds soured when the latter endorsed Trump in the 2024 Republican presidential primary. Despite early tensions, both sides have avoided direct confrontation, with Donalds praising DeSantis’ performance as governor when asked.
The situation is further complicated by the existence of a federal super PAC associated with Donalds, which allows donors to contribute without immediate public disclosure. The next filing deadline for the super PAC is in April, and the ongoing political tension between DeSantis and Donalds may continue to shape the dynamics of the upcoming GOP primary in Florida.
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