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Major Conservative PAC Backs Trump-Approved Byron Donalds in Florida’s Gubernatorial Race
EXCLUSIVE – A prominent conservative organization is solidifying its influence in the Republican primaries by endorsing a candidate closely aligned with President Donald Trump. The Club for Growth PAC, known for its impact on GOP elections, has thrown its support behind Rep. Byron Donalds as he vies to succeed term-limited Republican Governor Ron DeSantis in Florida.
Club for Growth PAC Endorses Byron Donalds
The Club for Growth PAC made the announcement of their endorsement for Donalds in the 2026 gubernatorial race this past Tuesday, with exclusive coverage provided to Fox News.
Rep. Byron Donalds, a conservative and former state lawmaker representing Florida’s 19th Congressional District, currently stands as the only major Republican candidate officially running for governor.
Having previously announced his candidacy on the Fox News program ‘Hannity’, Donalds quickly gained momentum after receiving Trump’s endorsement.
Strong Supporter’s Track Record
The Club for Growth PAC initially backed Donalds when he fought for his congressional seat in 2020. They invested $2.5 million to propel him past a crowded nine-way Republican primary, which ultimately secured his victory in the general election.
With a perfect lifetime rating from the Club, Donalds has consistently voted in line with their fiscally conservative agenda, which emphasizes tax cuts and economic issues.
“Rep. Byron Donalds is a proven constitutional conservative who has repeatedly demonstrated his commitment to pro-growth policies, educational freedom, and limited government principles,” Club for Growth PAC President David McIntosh stated. “We are proud to have supported him since his initial election to Congress, and we look forward to his victory as Florida’s next Governor.”
Political Landscape in Florida
The PAC’s endorsement comes amid other significant developments in Florida, including speculation surrounding a potential gubernatorial candidacy by First Lady Casey DeSantis as she considers her own future political ambitions.
Recently, Trump and Florida’s First Couple shared a breakfast meeting at the president’s golf course in West Palm Beach, during which they also played a round of golf together. The governor even posted a photo online capturing the moment with Trump.
Strategic Political Moves
A Republican source in Florida conveyed to Fox News that the governor and First Lady strategically utilized their meeting with Trump to encourage him to limit his involvement in the gubernatorial race beyond his endorsement of Donalds.
After relocating his primary residence to Florida in 2019, Trump took to social media last month to publicly declare that Donalds would be an exceptional governor, asserting his “Complete and Total Endorsement” for the congressman.
Internally conducted polling for Donalds’ campaign indicates an incredibly tight contest against Casey DeSantis, placing him ahead by a slim margin. However, when voters were informed of Trump’s endorsement, Donalds’ lead reportedly expanded to over 20 points, highlighting the former president’s immense influence within the GOP.
Moving Toward a Unified Front
The Club for Growth PAC’s endorsement marks the initial step in their direct alignment with Trump in the upcoming high-stakes primaries for the 2026 elections.
While the relationship between McIntosh and Trump has been rocky over the years, with earlier opposition during the 2016 election cycle, they moved toward partnership during subsequent election years. In 2022, for example, both parties collaborated on various high-profile GOP primary challenges, although tensions remained over contentious Senate nomination races in states like Alabama and Ohio.
Club for Growth’s Current Stance
As a new Republican primary cycle approaches, the Club has had its share of disputes with Trump. The former president has openly criticized the group, characterizing them as “The Club for NO Growth” and labeling its members as a “collection of political misfits.”
Yet, the two sides have mended their relationship in recent months, with Trump affirming their renewed partnership in March 2024, referencing them as “back in love” after previous disagreements.
“Expect to see Club for Growth PACs working closely with President Trump and his political team,” McIntosh announced during a recent exclusive interview with Fox News. “We aim to collaborate with his policy team to push forward critical tax legislation — efforts we both deem essential for national progress.”
The Implications Ahead
As the Club for Growth PAC joins forces with Donalds, their unified support highlights a significant moment in Florida’s political landscape as well as the continuing influence of Donald Trump over the Republican Party. With the 2026 gubernatorial race on the horizon, the evolving dynamics will be critical to watch as the election season unfolds.
