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“He was in town [Tallahassee] meeting with all the folks you need to meet with. He told them he is in,” a source familiar with Donalds’s activities told NBC News. “It’s the steps any candidate takes as they prepare to run for governor.”
Donalds’s schedule this week has reportedly been packed with meetings with influential Florida lobbyists and donors, signaling his intent to secure early support. These strategic moves come as other potential contenders either shift their focus or opt out of the race entirely. Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, for example, recently announced a bid to replace Rep. Matt Gaetz in Congress, while Attorney General Ashley Moody is rumored to be eyeing a U.S. Senate seat.
Asked directly about his plans, Donalds remained focused on national priorities, stating, “I’m fully focused on helping President Trump pass his America First Agenda. Florida will proudly lead the way.” However, his actions suggest his attention is also firmly on Tallahassee.
Despite his unwavering loyalty to Trump, Donalds has not been selected for a role in the former president’s administration—a move some see as a nod to his gubernatorial aspirations. This apparent alignment of priorities has further fueled speculation that Donalds is positioning himself as the frontrunner in the upcoming race.
The emerging GOP lineup could see Donalds face off against state Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, a former state Senate president with strong Republican credentials. Simpson is considered a formidable competitor but may lack the national profile that Donalds brings to the table.
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Meanwhile, Matt Gaetz has left the door open for a potential return to public office. Although he recently withdrew from consideration for U.S. attorney general and took up a hosting role at One America News, Gaetz’s future remains uncertain. When asked about a possible gubernatorial bid, he didn’t rule it out, saying, “Florida needs a Governor who can break the control insurance companies have over Tallahassee. I can do that, so it’s something Ginger and I are considering.”
As the field narrows, Donalds’s unique combination of charisma, policy experience, and close ties to Trump could give him an edge in what promises to be one of the most watched races of 2026. For now, all eyes are on Florida as candidates prepare to make their cases to voters in a state that continues to set the tone for national politics.
