House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has become the first high-profile Republican leader to endorse Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) in the race for Florida governor, marking a significant development in what could become a closely watched GOP primary.

Thank you to my good friend Speaker @MikeJohnson for your support!

From local Tea Party Activism to the State House & the halls of Congress to my candidacy for Governor of Florida, my fight for the Sunshine State has been unwavering.

Together, we are Making America Great Again. pic.twitter.com/6kgnu8FHdD

— Byron Donalds (@ByronDonalds) April 3, 2025

“Byron Donalds is a principled conservative leader who Floridians can trust as their next governor,” Johnson said in a statement to Politico. “He’s been relentless in defending Florida’s values and advancing President Trump’s America First agenda. I have no doubt he’ll bring that same passion and fight to the governor’s mansion. He has my full and enthusiastic support.”

Donalds officially launched his campaign last week in his hometown of Bonita Springs after weeks of speculation. His decision came after a February endorsement from former President Donald Trump, who posted on Truth Social: “Byron Donalds would be a truly Great and Powerful Governor for Florida… RUN, BYRON, RUN!”

The race to succeed term-limited Governor Ron DeSantis is already drawing significant attention. DeSantis, who is completing his second term, cannot seek re-election due to state term limit laws. Speculation remains high that Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis may enter the race, potentially setting up a dramatic primary showdown.

Polling has painted a mixed picture of the upcoming contest. A University of North Florida survey cited by The Hill shows Casey DeSantis with a commanding 57% favorability among GOP voters, compared to Donalds’ 27%. However, internal polling released by the Donalds campaign suggests a tighter race, giving him a narrow lead of 34% to 30% over the Florida First Lady.

As of now, Donalds remains the only Republican officially in the race, but all eyes are on whether Casey DeSantis will enter the fray—setting the stage for a blockbuster Republican battle in the Sunshine State.