Daniel Perez leads 63 House members in endorsing Byron Donalds for Governor

More than half the Florida House, including House Speaker Daniel Perez, has endorsed U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds’ bid for Governor.

On Wednesday morning, Donalds’ campaign announced 63 state Representatives had announced their support for the Naples Republican. That includes a handful of lawmakers, many based in Southwest Florida, who had issued announcements shortly after Donalds launched his campaign^[1]. The majority just now formally jumped on the Donalds’ train.

That includes Perez, though he already signaled his sentiments last month when political committees under his control gave $1 million^[2] to Donalds’ campaign. Perez noted President Donald Trump was the first to endorse^[3] Donalds, and most Republicans in the House are now following his lead.

“President Trump endorsed Byron Donalds for Governor for the same reason that Floridians will overwhelmingly elect him to serve as our next Governor,” Perez, a Miami Republican, said. “He will fight for our families and our state. He will make Florida government work for our people, not for himself. I am excited to endorse a true conservative champion to be our next Governor.”

Reps. Jennifer Canady, a Lakeland Republican in line for Speaker in 2028, and Mike Rendondo, who is set to wield the gavel in 2030, also now back Donalds.

“Byron Donalds is exactly the kind of leader Florida needs, a man of conviction and courage who will fight for families, protect our freedoms, and stand up for what’s right. Byron has always understood that strong schools, safe communities, and parental rights are the foundation of a thriving Florida. As a mom, a teacher, and a conservative, I know Byron will defend those values and ensure that every child in our state has the opportunity to succeed. I’m proud to support Byron Donalds for Governor,” Canady said.

Added Redondo, “Byron Donalds is a bold, America First conservative who will take Florida to new heights. He’s tough on crime, committed to securing our borders, and focused on making Florida more affordable for families and seniors. I’m proud to stand with Byron Donalds for Governor because he’s the Trump-endorsed conservative fighter we need to keep Florida thriving.”

In total, some 75% of the Republican caucus in the House now supports Donalds, who currently faces^[4] former House Speaker Paul Renner. That includes several members of leadership who served with Renner.

“Byron Donalds is a principled conservative who leads with courage, conviction, and integrity. He shares our commitment to growing Florida’s economy, protecting our freedoms, and backing the men and women of law enforcement who keep our communities safe,” said House Majority Leader Tyler Sirois, a Merritt Island Republican. “Byron understands what it takes to build a stronger Florida for working families, and he’ll always put our state and our people first. I’m proud to support Byron Donalds for Governor because he is a leader who will fight every day to keep Florida free, strong, and prosperous.”

The full list of endorsements includes: Reps. Shane Abbott; Jon Albert; Adam Anderson; Alex Andrade; Jessica Baker; Webster Barnaby; Yvette Benarroch; Dean Black; Omar Blanco; Erika Booth; David Borrero; Adam Botana; Nathan Boyles; Robbie Brackett; James Buchanan; Demi Busatta; Canady; Hillary Cassel; Nan Cobb; Bill Conerly; Wyman Duggan; Tiffany Esposito; Richard Gentry ; Anne Gerwig; Mike Giallombardo; Karen Gonzalez Pittman; Sam Greco; Griff Griffits; Jeff Holcomb; Berny Jacques; Kim Kendall; Traci Koster; Vicki Lopez; Fiona McFarland; Lauren Melo; Monique Miller; Jim Mooney; Danny Nix; Vanessa Oliver; Toby Overdorf; Bill Partington; Perez; Jenna Persons-Mulicka; Rachel Plakon; Susan Plasencia; Juan Carlos Porras; Redondo; Alex Rizo; Will Robinson; Michelle Salzman; Judson Sapp; Jason Shoaf; Sirois; David Smith; John Snyder; Paula Stark; Kevin Steele; Josie Tomkow; Dana Trabulsy; Chase Tramont; Kaylee Tuck; Susan Valdes; and Meg Weinberger.