Byron Donalds Gains Trump Endorsement and $7.5 Million Boost from TikTok Billionaire in Florida Governor Race

U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds of Naples has officially entered the 2026 Florida governor's race, securing a high‑profile endorsement from former President Donald Trump, who called him “highly respected.” The endorsement was highlighted at a May 1 fundraiser at Mar‑a‑Lago and has helped Donalds raise $2.4 million so far, including a $1 million contribution from U‑Line CEO Richard Uihlein. Other notable donors include the Seminole Tribe and private‑prison firm GEO Group. Donalds’ campaign emphasizes youth development, affordability, law‑enforcement support and school safety.

Campaign finance filings show the Friends of Byron Donalds PAC has amassed more than $81 million, with over $71 million coming from PAC contributions. The single largest donor is Pennsylvania billionaire Jeff Yass, whose $7.5 million gift ties the campaign to his substantial investment in ByteDance, the parent of TikTok. Yass, co‑founder of Susquehanna International Group, has previously funded conservative causes nationwide. His contribution comes amid a Florida lawsuit against TikTok for alleged child‑safety violations, underscoring the intersection of the candidate’s financing and broader tech‑policy battles in the state.