GOP Rep. Byron Donalds will officially run to replace Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has been Florida’s chief Executive since 2011. DeSantis, who is doing a fantastic job and is extremely popular, is leaving office in 2026. Donald Trump has been hinting at a possible endorsement.

Donalds made his announcement on Fox News “Hannity”, which aired Tuesday. The Congressman, who has served three terms in office, praised DeSantis for his accomplishments and explained what he planned to do to make Florida the “best state” in the country.

Donalds said, “After much prayer and discussion, I’m here to announce my appointment as the next governor of Florida.”

“And Sean, we have a wonderful state. I got to Florida when I was 17 years old, off of a Greyhound bus with just a trunk full of clothes, and over the rest of my time in Florida, I built a family, I built a career—17 years in financial services. I joined the Tea Party movement; I was in the conservative movement.”

“I was a state legislator for four years and a congressman for four years. I think it’s time to assume the responsibility of leading our state into the future.”

Donalds acknowledged Ron DeSantis’s leadership when so many other governors have failed in such a horrendous way.

“DeSantis has done a wonderful job as governor for our state. The task now is to keep the state at the top of the country.”

Watch:

Donalds, a rising political star, was praised by Donald Trump for his support throughout the campaign.

Trump endorsed Donalds a few days before his announcement. He called Donalds a “TOTAL WINNER” and encouraged him to run.

The real challenge lies in how DeSantis chooses to respond. Many, including myself, view him as the nation’s top governor throughout Joe Biden’s tumultuous presidency. He stands as the polar opposite of Gavin Newsom, who, by many accounts, has repeatedly let down the people of California. Meanwhile, speculation is growing that his wife, Casey DeSantis, may be eyeing a political run of her own—setting the stage for potentially intense political battles ahead.

I think that Ron, Casey, and Byron Donalds played a significant role in bringing America back from the Biden-Harris abyss. Even though they may not have the exact position or moment they want, their names and visions are likely to be heard in the future, regardless of the outcome of any elections.

To win the war, all hands must be on board.