
US Rep. Byron Donald was recently awarded the 2025 FAMU Impact Award by interim president of the university, Timothy Beard. Donald will run for governor of Florida in 2026.
As U.S. Rep. Byron Donald has been quiet about running for governor of Florida, his close ally, President Donald Trump, says he will fully support him if he enters the 2026 race.
So far, amid both Donald and “Donald” advantages, Florida A&M University has recently recognized Napoli Republicans in their own way.
FAMU interim president Timothy Beard awarded the 2025 FAMU Impact Award at the Black Conservative Federation’s Free Ball Legacy in Washington, DC, last month, giving away 46-year-old Donald.
“They say at FAMU, you can go anywhere from here, and this young man is heading his path – that’s Rep. Byron Donald,” Beard said at the event. Ta. “Mr. Donald is changing the world.”
The Black Conservative Foundation is a national network of Republican activists working to expand the black conservative movement, and the January event marks Trump and US Vice President JD Vance after an election victory. The purpose was to celebrate and celebrate the inauguration of the 60th President.
While presenting plaque to Beard, a registered Republican (a member of the federation’s board of directors), the award states: You are certainly a shining example of the influence of the Rattler nation. .”
“I’m proud to be a (FAMU) Rattler,” Donald commented on the award in an Instagram post on January 25th. “We’re changing Florida for the better. We’re changing the country for the better. And our work isn’t finished yet.”
Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Donald was registered with FAMU from 1996 to 1999, but did not graduate. He instead moved to Florida State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in finance and marketing in 2002.
After graduating he worked for TIB Bank, CMG Life Services and Moranwells in Naples. He currently lives with his wife Erica Donald, a graduate of FSU, and three children.
The chances of Donald’s bid to become the state’s next governor are because Governor Ron DeSantis will not be able to re-employ.
The latest poll from the University of North Florida Institute of Public Opinion (Porl) shows that Florida’s first lady Casey DeSantis has appeared on the list of potential governor candidates, but Another poll shared on Monday from victory insights shows Donald. As a clear leader of a potential race. Other potential candidates for the 2026 race include Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson.
More details: Will Desantis run again? Voting supports the wife of the governor of Florida, Trump may support this candidate
Donald has represented Florida’s 19th Congressional District since 2021, including much of Southwest Florida. Before his role, he was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2016.
Due to his connection with FAMU, Donald is listed on the university’s government website as one of the “office rattlers.”
In a statement to the Tallahassee Democrats, Beard presented Donald with the award last month on Friday, saying he “recognised his service as a lawmaker and recognized his connection with Fam as a former student and lifelong advocate.” .
“We look forward to continuing to be involved with all members of Congress’ Rattler,” Beard said.
Tara Jan is a reporter for the Tallahassee Democrat. She can contact tjean @tallahassee.com and follow her at X:@talahjean_.