How Ron DeSantis turned Florida’s governor race into a Republican family feud
DeSantis vs. Donalds: Florida’s Republican Family Feud
How Ron DeSantis turned Florida s governor – How Ron DeSantis turned Florida’s governor race into a Republican family feud. What appeared to be a smooth succession within the state’s GOP has transformed into a bitter internal conflict. Rep. Byron Donalds leads the primary with President Trump’s endorsement, yet faces an unexpected challenge from the outgoing governor himself. Rather than supporting his preferred successor, DeSantis has emerged as the movement’s most vocal critic of Donalds’ candidacy.
A Governor’s Reluctance to Let Go
Constitutional term limits prevent DeSantis from running again, but his influence over Florida’s Republican base remains substantial. Instead of endorsing Donalds, the governor has quietly questioned whether the Naples congressman deserves the mantle. Sources close to the situation reveal that DeSantis has shared his concerns directly with Trump, though he has not thrown his support behind any rival candidate.
His hesitation extends beyond Donalds. DeSantis declined to champion Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, despite appointing him just a year earlier. He has also remained quiet about Paul Renner, the former Speaker whose legislative work helped advance the governor’s signature policies before Renner’s presidential run.
An Outsider Steps Into the Fray
James Fishback, a 31-year-old political newcomer, has seized the moment despite legal troubles and limited funding. The insurgent has launched fierce attacks on Donalds, labeling him a “slave to his donors” and a “DEI Republican” who would “turn Florida into a Section 8 ghetto.” His message has found resonance with conservative figures like Tucker Carlson and Nick Fuentes.
DeSantis’s involvement has alienated former allies. While the governor has been open about his presidential ambitions, several Republican insiders worry he is squandering the political capital built during his two terms. His journey from relative obscurity to national prominence has included losing Trump’s 2024 nomination, and now he must rebuild his standing as he eyes 2028.
“Everybody has tried to talk sense into him, including the president,” one source noted. “Ron is leaving without a lot of friends. There’s going to be a big effort to take the shine off of him and he won’t have a platform to defend himself.”
From Partners to Rivals
The current animosity marks a sharp departure from an era when Donalds and DeSantis enjoyed a close relationship. Donalds served as a reliable legislative partner before winning his congressional seat in 2020. DeSantis also worked closely with Donalds’ wife, Erika, an education advocate, to expand Florida’s school voucher program. On election night in 2022, Donalds introduced DeSantis as the governor delivered his victory speech.
Tensions surfaced the following spring when DeSantis prepared to announce his White House bid. Donalds endorsed Trump instead of his home state’s governor, triggering a wave of Florida Republican support for Trump before DeSantis officially entered the race. According to sources, Donalds attempted to discuss his decision with DeSantis over several days, but the governor ignored his calls.
When Donalds began organizing his gubernatorial campaign with Trump’s backing, DeSantis moved quickly to undermine him. In February 2025, the governor publicly questioned Donalds’ record, stating: “The reality is we’ve achieved victories in Florida. We need to start achieving those victories up there (in Washington). I think people look at it and say you’ve got a guy like Byron, he just hasn’t been a part of any of the victories that we’ve had here over the left over these last years. He’s just not been a part of it. He’s been in other states ca”
The resulting primary has become one of the most contentious Republican contests of the midterm cycle, characterized by public disputes between DeSantis’ senior staff and his own lieutenants.
