ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Still a year and one month away from the Primary Election, Florida’s 2026 gubernatorial race is starting to take shape.

Among the early front runners is President Donald Trump-endorsed Congressman Byron Donalds (R-Naples), who has raised tens of millions since launching his campaign four months ago.

Donalds sat down with 10 Tampa Bay on Thursday to outline his vision for the state, explained why he entered the race early and responded to questions about hot-button issues ranging from immigration and rising cost of living to his relationship with Gov. Ron DeSantis.

With Florida’s population continuing to rise and costs increasing for housing, insurance and transportation, Donalds said affordability is at the center of his platform.

“The cost of living — there are multiple factors,” Donalds said. “In Washington, I’ve been fighting to cut spending. When Washington overspends, it devalues the purchasing power of the dollars in the pockets of everyday Americans.”

At the state level, Donalds said he wants to build on recent insurance reforms, attract more carriers to Florida, modernize the electric grid to expand base load power and invest in transportation systems to ease congestion.

Donalds also defended his support for the recently signed “Big Beautiful Bill” — a Trump-backed federal tax and spending package that some Democrats argue cuts programs like Medicare and SNAP while increasing the national deficit.

He pushed back, arguing the bill prevents tax increases and restores “common sense” measures like eligibility checks and work requirements for federal aid programs.

“No tax on tips and no tax on overtime,” Donalds said. “If you’re earning tips or working overtime shifts to make ends meet, now you’re keeping more money in your pocket.”

Donalds recently toured the controversial immigration detention facility known as “Alligator Alcatraz,” located in the Everglades. He supports its use as an alternative to overcrowded county jails, calling it a necessary “release valve” to help expedite deportations.

“Yes, it costs money to stand up these facilities,” he said. “But the cost pales in comparison to the long-run cost of keeping illegal aliens in the United States,” defending the project’s $450 million price tag.

Donalds acknowledged recent tensions between him and Gov. DeSantis, but said they share similar values and have both delivered for Florida.

“These things ebb and flow in politics,” Donalds said. “We agree politically. We agree philosophically. But every now and again in politics, you have disagreements — and that’s okay.”

Despite speculation that DeSantis could back another candidate or that First Lady Casey DeSantis may run for the GOP nomination, Donalds said he isn’t focused on it. 

“What I’ve been focused on is being in every part of the state, meeting the voters of Florida,” he said.

With Republicans now holding a large voter registration advantage in Florida, Donalds said he still intends to broaden his base if he wins the primary.

“For young people, it’s about diversifying our economy. For parents, it’s about education. For seniors, it’s maintaining quality of life,” he said. “What really brings everybody together is making sure Florida maintains its ethos.”

Donalds has long championed school choice but said he now embraces a broader “economy of education” that includes public, charter, private and parochial options. 

“It’s not about one school,” he said, “It’s about making sure parents are at the head of the table.”

If elected, Donalds would become Florida’s first Black governor and the first Black Republican governor in modern U.S. history. He called the possibility “awe-inspiring,” but said he’s focused on ideas, not identity.

“Florida is a meritocracy,” he said. “We’re not a state caught up in the color of someone’s skin. We’re really caught up in: Can somebody get the job done?”

As a congressman from hurricane-prone Southwest Florida, Donalds criticized FEMA’s performance during Hurricane Ian and said he supports President Trump’s call to restructure or replace the agency.

“In terms of our state, we’ve done a great job,” he said, praising the recovery efforts led by both DeSantis and former Gov. Rick Scott. But he said more attention is needed at the individual level — helping homeowners tarp roofs, deal with insurers and access recovery contractors.

Since launching his campaign, Donalds said he’s visited 28 of Florida’s 67 counties and plans to continue meeting with voters face to face.

“We’re going to go everywhere. We’re going to see as many people as we can and really understand their stories — and try to earn their vote,” he said.

The leading candidate on the Democratic side so far is former GOP Congressman David Jolly. To see 10 Tampa Bay’s interview with Jolly, click here.