Byron Donalds launches ‘Faith Leaders Coalition’ to support his Governor’s bid

U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds is bringing more faith leaders into his campaign’s fold through a new prayer-focused alliance backing his bid for Governor.

Donalds’ campaign just announced the formation of a “Faith Leaders Coalition,” composed of clergy, faith-based organization leaders and volunteers who serve their communities through worship, outreach and ministry.

A campaign press note said 65 faith leaders have already joined the group, which will host weekly prayer calls led by rotating members.

“God calls us to pray for our leaders,” said Pastor J. Jearlyn Dennie, founder of She Leads Florida, a Christian women’s organization. “This is not about politics. It is about standing in the gap and covering Byron Donalds’ leadership in prayer as we seek God’s best for our state of Florida.”

Anthony Verdugo, founder of Christian Family Coalition Florida, said the effort reflects the values Donalds and faith leaders share.

“We are called to pray for our leaders, and Congressman Byron Donalds is a fearless leader who shares our values and needs our prayers,” Verdugo said in a statement, adding that he believes Florida needs leadership rooted in the “common sense values of faith, family, and freedom.”

“Policy decisions impact the lives of everyday Floridians from vulnerable communities to houses of worship, and our state needs a proven leader like Congressman Donalds who listens and leads with the conviction of a man on a mission to strengthen our state.”

The Faith Leaders Coalition, announced Wednesday, follows the Donalds campaign’s recent launch of Veterans for Byron, a group co-chaired by elected officials who served in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and Navy JAG.

Donalds’ campaign said he remains the clear front-runner in both polling and fundraising in the Republican Primary. He carries endorsements from President Donald Trump, billionaire Elon Musk, roughly 75% of the Florida House Republican Caucus, 17 members of Florida’s congressional delegation, U.S. House leadership, more than a dozen Florida Sheriffs and prominent national and state conservative figures.

Other notable Republicans seeking the party nomination in 2026 include former House Speaker Paul Renner — who launched a “Women for Renner Coalition” Tuesday — and investment executive James Fishback, who has been accused of dating a minor and running for Governor while being registered to vote in two states.

Democrats running include ex-Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and former U.S. Rep. David Jolly.

The winner next year will succeed term-limited Gov. Ron DeSantis, who hasn’t issued an endorsement in the contest, which Republican Lt. Gov. Jay Collins has hinted at entering.