DeSantis Endorses Donalds, GOP Slate in Florida

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis officially endorsed U.S. Rep. Bryan Donalds for governor and the entire Republican statewide ticket during a party leadership forum in Tampa on September 2, 2026, marking a public show of unity after a year of political friction between the two men. The event, held at the TPepins Hospitality Centre, brought together the state's top GOP candidates less than two months before the November 3 general election. DeSantis, who is term-limited and cannot seek a third consecutive term, used the forum to tout his administration's accomplishments and rally support for the party's nominees. "I'm endorsing the slate here tonight because I know it's important for the state of Florida," DeSantis told the crowd. He also endorsed Attorney General James Uthmeier, Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia, and Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, all of whom joined him on stage. The endorsement of Donalds was particularly significant, as it capped a primary season defined by an open rift. The two had not appeared together publicly since July 2025, a tension rooted in Donalds' early endorsement of Donald Trump over DeSantis during the 2024 presidential primary.