Conservative Leader Caldwell Endorses Congressman Donalds as DeSantis Successor in Florida Governor’s Race

Governor Ron DeSantis’ impending term limit has intensified focus on his successor, with conservative activist Giancarlo Caldwell throwing his support behind Congressman Byron Donalds ahead of Florida’s August 18 primary election. Caldwell, founder of the Caldwell Institute for Public Safety, outlined his reasoning in a detailed endorsement that centers on Donalds’ approach to law enforcement and public safety matters.

Caldwell credited DeSantis with steering Florida away from the pandemic policies implemented across Democratic-led states, citing the governor’s refusal to implement sweeping school closures and business lockdowns despite federal pressure. He noted that DeSantis’ leadership contributed to a dramatic shift in voter registration, with Republicans now holding a 1.5 million-voter advantage over Democrats statewide and expanding their presence across all 67 Florida counties.

Donalds has secured endorsements from the Florida Police Chiefs Association, representing more than 1,300 law enforcement executives, and a majority of Florida’s sheriffs. The Hispanic Police Officers Association of Miami-Dade also backed his candidacy, with its president praising Donalds for supporting law enforcement during the “defund the police” movement.

Donalds’ Zero Tolerance public safety agenda would mandate cooperation between state, local, and federal immigration authorities while banning sanctuary city policies statewide. Caldwell, whose teenage brother Christian was murdered in Chicago in 2022, emphasized the personal significance of sanctuary city reforms, noting Chicago has maintained sanctuary status for over 40 years amid rising violence.

The congressman has also pledged to address Florida’s property insurance crisis, proposing reforms he believes could reduce rates by as much as 20 percent. Donalds, a Florida State University graduate who worked in banking and finance before entering politics, has represented Florida’s 19th Congressional District since 2021.

Donalds’ endorsements span the political spectrum, including backing from President Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson, as well as unexpected support from SiriusXM personality Stephen A. Smith, a lifelong Democrat who called Donalds “the real deal” on air this week.