As we head into the 2026 election cycle, a number of key Republican figures, many loyal to President Donald Trump, are making serious moves toward running for governor. This could further solidify Trump’s influence in state capitals across the country, giving the MAGA movement a firm foothold in state governments.
In Florida, Rep. Byron Donalds is laying the groundwork for a gubernatorial campaign, with former Rep. Matt Gaetz also considering a run. Over in Ohio, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy has announced his intention to challenge for the governor’s mansion, while Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina is “seriously considering” a bid. Rep. Andy Biggs of Arizona, known for his strong Trump alignment, is also exploring a run for governor. These potential candidates represent a new wave of Republican leadership that is both unapologetically conservative and loyal to Trump’s America First agenda.
This growing pool of Trump-aligned candidates reflects a broader shift in the GOP. According to Jesse Hunt, a Republican strategist, “As we saw in 2024, the success of Donald Trump has encouraged more candidates to embrace his policy ideas.” These candidates are likely to lean into the combative, populist style that Trump made famous, breaking away from the more traditional, reserved Republican approach.
Vivek Ramaswamy, who gained national attention during his presidential run, is now eyeing a GOP primary in Ohio. He joins a field that already includes Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and Treasurer Robert Sprague. Ramaswamy, who has never clashed with Trump despite their differing backgrounds, quickly endorsed the president after dropping out of the presidential race, showcasing his loyalty to the MAGA cause.
Nancy Mace, who survived a Trump-backed primary challenge in 2022 after a public falling-out with the president over the Capitol riots, has since patched things up with Trump. The former president endorsed her in her most recent reelection campaign, demonstrating the power of Trump’s backing in Republican primaries. Similarly, Rep. Byron Donalds has firmly backed Trump in his presidential bid, even over his own governor, Ron DeSantis, solidifying his status as one of Trump’s staunchest supporters.
In Florida, Trump’s influence is especially apparent, with speculation around the possible candidacy of controversial figures like Gaetz. Though he has not yet committed, Gaetz, known for his fiery rhetoric and strong support for Trump, could emerge as a major challenger. Additionally, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, another Trump ally, has been mentioned as a potential candidate.
Arizona’s gubernatorial race is also shaping up to be a battleground. Rep. Andy Biggs, a Trump loyalist, is exploring a bid, although Trump himself has also recently thrown his weight behind Karrin Taylor Robson, a former gubernatorial candidate in the state.
As Trump continues to dominate the national political landscape, how he approaches these gubernatorial races will be crucial. Republican strategist Stephen Lawson notes that Trump’s endorsement carries immense weight, but cautions that his political capital is finite. “Trump’s team has never been stronger,” Lawson said. “They know what it takes to advance the president’s agenda, but in 2026, he will have to make tough choices about where to focus his resources.”
For Trump and the GOP, the 2026 midterms could be a critical moment to solidify control of state governments, which will be vital for advancing conservative policies at both the state and local levels. While governors play a key role in implementing the president’s agenda, a Republican operative warns that Trump must tread carefully. “The more you spread your political capital, the less effective it becomes. You don’t want to take unnecessary losses.”
With an eye toward 2028, when Trump may hand off the mantle to a new Republican standard-bearer, the stakes are high. Trump’s influence in the 2026 gubernatorial races will be closely scrutinized, as it could help shape the future direction of the GOP. However, the outcomes could also have long-term implications for the party, especially for those in the Trump orbit, as they work to secure a lasting legacy for the MAGA movement.