Business magnate and Tesla CEO Elon Musk has endorsed U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds in his bid for Florida Governor in 2026, adding to a growing list of high-profile national and state supporters for the Republican congressman.
Musk’s endorsement came via X on Wednesday night, congratulating Donalds and expressing “my full support” for his campaign. Donalds responded, calling Musk’s backing an honor and emphasizing that it reflects “the momentum behind our campaign’s mission to make the American Dream more achievable in Florida by lowering costs for families, cutting taxes, unleashing innovation, and putting the future back in the hands of the American people, not government bureaucracy.”
The announcement follows endorsements from U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, both from Texas, and President Donald Trump, further solidifying Donalds’ position as a frontrunner in the Republican primary. His support within Florida is also extensive, with backing from 17 members of the state’s congressional delegation, 15 top sheriffs, and 75% of the Republican caucus in the Florida House.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Donalds moved to Florida at age 17 to attend college. He currently represents Naples in the U.S. House of Representatives and has centered his gubernatorial campaign on economic growth and opportunity, positioning himself on “America First” policies aimed at expanding freedom and innovation within the state.
Donalds’ campaign has demonstrated strong fundraising performance, reporting a third-quarter haul surpassing $31 million, giving him a significant financial advantage over potential rivals. Recent polling data suggests Donalds is leading both his Republican primary opponents and potential Democratic challengers by wide margins. A survey from St. Pete Polls indicated Donalds with 39% support against other Republican candidates who each registered less than 4%, while a University of North Florida poll showed him capturing 45% in a general election matchup.
The Republican primary is scheduled for August 2026, with the eventual nominee widely expected to have a strong chance in the general election, according to current polling trends.
