Michael Owen endorses Byron Donalds for Governor

State Rep. Michael Owen is the newest Florida lawmaker to support U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds in his run for Governor.

“I know Congressman Donalds will lead with a Florida First mindset and work day and night to address our challenges head-on and seize the countless opportunities ahead of us,” Owen said in a statement released Monday.

Owen described Donalds as a leader who can make “government leaner and more efficient for Florida taxpayers.”

Owen, a Republican from Apollo Beach, represents parts of Hillsborough and Manatee counties and was first elected in 2024.

Owen adds his name to a growing list of national and state Republicans supporting Donalds, such as President Donald Trump, U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, and many members of Congress and the Florida Legislature.

Gov. Ron DeSantis, who cannot run again due to term limits, has not endorsed anyone in the race, including Lt. Gov. Jay Collins.

Not many lawmakers have supported Donalds’ opponents. State Rep. Susan Plasencia, who represents parts of Orange and Seminole counties, first supported Donalds but later switched to Collins.

Former House Speaker Paul Renner has been endorsed by former Senate President Pro Tempore Dennis Baxley and former state Rep. Charlie Stone. James Fishback has the support of former state Rep. Anthony Sabatini, who is now a Lake County Commissioner.

Donalds also has a strong fundraising lead. Together, his campaign and the Friends of Byron Donalds political committee raised $81 million by May.

Polls have consistently shown Donalds close to 50% in the Republican Primary, while most other candidates remain in single digits.

In a possible General Election against likely Democratic nominee David Jolly, Donalds has a small lead in most polls. However, a May Change Research survey of 1,593 likely voters showed Jolly ahead of Donalds 46% to 42%, with a 2.3% margin of error.

Florida’s Primary Election will be held on August 18.