Top Conservative Group Backs Trump-Endorsed Byron Donalds in High-Stakes Florida Race

Breaking news in the world of conservative politics: The Club for Growth PAC, a heavyweight in Republican primaries, has thrown its support behind Rep. Byron Donalds for Florida’s 2026 gubernatorial race. This endorsement aligns with former President Donald Trump's backing, making it a power move in an already heated contest.

Donalds, a staunch conservative and Trump loyalist, is no stranger to the Club for Growth. The group played a pivotal role in his 2020 congressional win, investing $2.5 million to push him through a crowded primary. It seems their trust in him has only grown, as their lifetime rating of Donalds sits at a glowing 100% for his economic voting record.

Club for Growth PAC President David McIntosh said of Donalds: "Rep. Byron Donalds is a proven constitutional conservative who has consistently demonstrated his commitment to pro-growth economic policies, school freedom, and limited government principles." It’s pretty clear they see him as the right man to step into Gov. Ron DeSantis’ shoes once his term concludes.

While Donalds is currently the only major Republican candidate in the race, whispers of competition have emerged. Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis is reportedly considering a run, and that would undoubtedly shake things up. To add an extra layer of intrigue, she and her husband recently had breakfast and a round of golf with Trump, sparking speculation about their conversation. A Republican source hinted that the meeting may have included an appeal to keep Trump’s involvement in the race minimal beyond his Donalds endorsement. Oh, to be a fly on the golf cart!

Trump’s endorsement of Donalds was both vocal and emphatic. On social media, he called Donalds "a truly Great and Powerful Governor for Florida" and even gave him the green light with a prompt: "RUN, BYRON, RUN!" Now that’s a campaign slogan if I’ve ever heard one.

Internal polling for Donalds shows him narrowly leading Casey DeSantis in a hypothetical GOP primary matchup. However, when voters are reminded of Trump’s endorsement, his lead skyrockets, proving that Trump’s influence in the GOP remains as dominant as ever.

For the Club for Growth, this endorsement marks a new chapter in their relationship with the former president. Once critics of Trump during his 2016 campaign, the Club has had a rollercoaster history with him, including clashes in various Senate primaries. However, they seem to have patched things up, with McIntosh saying in 2024 that they were "back in love" with Trump. Politics really does make for the strangest bedfellows.

As the race heats up, all eyes will be on Florida to see how this endorsement plays out. With Trump, the Club for Growth, and Byron Donalds all aligned, the GOP primary battle is already promising to be a spectacle. Buckle up, folks; this is just the beginning.