A major statewide trade group is throwing its support behind U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds for governor, giving the Trump-endorsed front-runner another marquee business ally in the final run-up to Florida's primary. The Florida Retail Federation's endorsement adds organized retail muscle to Donalds' operation at a moment when he is stacking up backing from business and law-enforcement interests across the state.
In the federation's announcement, R. Scott Shalley, its president and CEO, praised Donalds' track record on tax cuts and deregulation and said, "Byron Donalds understands what it takes to maintain Florida’s reputation as the most business-friendly state in the nation," as reported by Tampa Free Press. The group, according to that statement, says Florida's retail sector supports nearly four million jobs, pays more than $94 billion in wages, generates over $64 billion in sales-tax revenue and contributes roughly $357 billion to the state's economy. Donalds accepted the endorsement and framed it as proof that he and retail leaders are aligned on lowering taxes and cutting regulatory red tape.
Business backing widens Donalds' coalition
The retail federation's move folds into a growing list of establishment and business endorsements that have rallied to Donalds this cycle. Former President Donald Trump publicly backed Donalds early in his bid, as reported by The Associated Press, and the Florida Chamber of Commerce has since endorsed him as well, according to Floridian. Party strategists say those kinds of institutional seals of approval can translate into field operations and donor networks that matter in the closing weeks before the primary.
Money and momentum
Donalds' campaign has been a fundraising standout, with outside groups pumping in heavy TV and digital advertising aimed at business-minded voters. Reporting from WUSF shows Donalds continuing to dominate fundraising totals, and a pro-AI committee bought at least $500,000 in TV spots this spring, according to at least $500,000 in TV spots. The Florida Retail Federation endorsement could extend that reach by signaling to retail executives and store owners in retail-heavy counties that the group is all-in on Donalds.
The endorsement lands roughly a month before Florida's primary election on August 18, 2026, according to the Florida Division of Elections. How much the move shifts the race will come down to what happens on the ground: turnout operations, targeted outreach to retail workers and whether Donalds' rivals can slow the momentum of his expanding business coalition in the final weeks.
