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Trump Endorses Lawler for House, Boosts Stefanik Speculation, Donalds Leads Florida GOP, Paul Runs in Texas

14 posts • GPT (4.1 mini)

Updated May 9, 2025, 01:53 PM

Former President Donald Trump has endorsed several Republican candidates ahead of the 2026 election cycle. Trump publicly supported Representative Mike Lawler's bid for reelection to the U.S. House of Representatives, despite speculation that Lawler may run for New York governor. This endorsement has fueled discussions about Congresswoman Elise Stefanik potentially entering the gubernatorial race in New York.

Meanwhile, in Florida, Trump’s backing has boosted Byron Donalds in the GOP primary for governor, with a recent poll showing Donalds leading Casey DeSantis by 19 points among Republican voters aware of the endorsement. In Texas, State Representative Dennis Paul announced his candidacy for the state Senate seat being vacated by Mayes Middleton, who is running for attorney general. Paul received an endorsement from Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick. Additionally, Trump endorsed Rob Axson for a second term as Utah Republican chair. These endorsements highlight Trump's continued influence within the Republican Party as candidates prepare for the 2026 primaries.

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Sources

floridapolitics.com(3)gothamist.com(2)nypost.com(2)flvoicenews.com

Eric Daugherty

@EricLDaugh

🚨 JUST IN: Byron Donalds leads Casey DeSantis in the 2026 Florida governor primary by 19 points when Republicans are aware of Donald Trump's endorsement. 🟠 Byron Donalds: 44% (+19) 🟣 Casey DeSantis: 25% JMI | GOP RVs https://t.co/GL3EYpemNv

Florida’s Voice

@FLVoiceNews

BREAKING: Trump endorsement fuels Byron Donalds ahead of Casey DeSantis in 2026 gubernatorial primary, new poll says When voters learn of Trump's endorsement: 🟠 Byron Donalds: 44% (+19) 🟣 Casey DeSantis: 25% https://t.co/zVC86cClvS

Florida Politics

@Fla_Pol

'I'm not waiting for anybody': @ByronDonalds shrugs off @CaseyDeSantis threat as First Lady stalls ahead of potential 2026 Gov race entry Reporting by @AGGancarski https://t.co/l2L6chvsiM #FlaPol https://t.co/4s9yv0us6u