U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, Co-Chair of Florida’s congressional delegation, has reportedly now endorsed fellow Republican Byron Donalds in his campaign for Governor of Florida.
Buchanan, hailing from Longboat Key, expressed his support in a statement to Florida Politics, calling Donalds a “fearless conservative and MAGA patriot.”
He emphasized their collaboration in Congress, highlighting Donalds’ tenacity and effectiveness as qualities that will make him a strong leader for Florida.
Donalds, who recently announced his candidacy for governor, has served alongside Buchanan in the U.S. House since his election in 2020.
This endorsement is not Buchanan’s first show of faith in Donalds; he previously advocated for Donalds when the House was looking to replace former Speaker Kevin McCarthy in 2023.
During that time, Buchanan’s support was critical in challenging U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan’s bid for the speakership, although the position ultimately went to Mike Johnson of Louisiana.
Max Goodman, a political advisor to Buchanan, noted that this ongoing support illustrates the trust Donalds has earned among his colleagues. B
uchanan’s backing of Donalds comes at a pivotal moment, especially as First Lady Casey DeSantis contemplates her own gubernatorial run. It is noteworthy that Buchanan aligned himself with Donalds early in the race, foreshadowing a competitive Republican primary.
Both Buchanan and Donalds previously endorsed former President Donald Trump over Governor Ron DeSantis in the previous election cycle, which could further influence their political dynamics going forward.
Donalds’ campaign gains momentum with the backing of influential figures like Buchanan, signaling a potentially strong challenge in Florida’s gubernatorial race.
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