The Texas Congressman was among the first to support DeSantis for President, but also promoted Donalds as a candidate for House Speaker.
One of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ closest political allies just endorsed U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds for Governor.
U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, a Texas Republican, said Florida voters should elect Donalds to succeed DeSantis next year.
“Byron Donalds is first and foremost, my friend,” Roy said. “He also is a fearless America First conservative who will protect Florida’s freedoms, grow its economy, and lead with strength. As Governor, he’ll work alongside President (Donald) Trump and all of us to fight for parents, defend liberty and keep Florida a standard-bearer for conservative leadership. I’m proud to stand with him.”
While Roy hails from the Lone Star State and won’t vote in Florida’s elections, the support seems especially notable as the Texas Republican was among DeSantis’ closest allies when the sitting Governor served in the Legislature. He was among the first members of Congress to endorse DeSantis for President in 2023 over Trump, who ultimately won the GOP nomination and a second term in the White House.
But this time, Roy is on the same side as Trump, who urged Donalds to run for Governor earlier this year.
Roy and Donalds also boast a relationship. Amid a protected process for picking a House Speaker in 2023, Roy promoted the Naples Republican as an option, casting the first of several for Donalds over the course of days.
The job ultimately went to Kevin McCarthy, though the votes put Donalds in a position to negotiate a rules package including priorities of the Freedom Caucus. Following McCarthy’s ouster months later, Donalds again ran for the job before the GOP caucus ultimately settled on current Speaker Mike Johnson.
DeSantis cannot seek another term as Governor because of term limits, but many have speculated he wants a member of his administration to succeed him such as Lt. Gov. Jay Collins or even First Lady Casey DeSantis.