DeSantis Courts Ken Griffin to Fund a Byron Donalds Challenger — Griffin Declines for Now

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has privately urged billionaire donor Ken Griffin to bankroll a challenger to U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds in the 2026 Florida governor's race, but Griffin has not committed, leaving DeSantis searching for another major financial backer for a preferred successor.

Why this matters

Donalds has already amassed more than $30 million and carries former President Donald Trump's endorsement, making him a formidable contender to replace the term-limited governor. Once political allies, DeSantis and Donalds split after Donalds publicly backed Trump in the 2024 Republican presidential primary, prompting DeSantis to seek an alternative candidate who could block Donalds’ path.

Private appeals to Griffin

According to multiple people familiar with the conversations, DeSantis has raised the idea with Griffin directly on at least two occasions, asking the financier and his top political aide to consider deploying resources against Donalds. The first exchange took place at a private dinner in early June in Miami. Attendees reportedly included Cason Carter, who oversees public affairs for Griffin’s investment firm; major GOP donor Mori Housseini; and Manny Kadre, chair of the University of Miami’s Board of Trustees. At that meeting, DeSantis emphasized the need for a financial strategy rather than selling a specific candidate, the sources said.

The second interaction occurred during a political fundraiser and golf outing on Fishers Island, New York, where DeSantis pressed the case for backing Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins for governor, according to people familiar with the event. One attendee recalled DeSantis highlighting Collins’ background and resume as a reason to support him.

Who is in the running

While other names — including DeSantis’ wife, Casey — have surfaced, Lt. Gov. Jay Collins has emerged as the most likely DeSantis-backed option. That momentum was aided this week when a political nonprofit, Florida Fighters, aired nearly $1.1 million in television ads highlighting Collins’ service as a Green Beret and praising his work alongside DeSantis. The nonprofit is not required to disclose its donors.

Collins, a former state senator whom DeSantis appointed lieutenant governor in August, has not formally announced a campaign but has publicly hinted that a run is possible. He thanked the group behind the ads while saying he did not know who funded them and described the support as encouraging as he finalizes a decision.

Griffin and DeSantis: a mixed history

Griffin was among the largest donors to DeSantis’ 2022 re-election effort but opted not to support DeSantis’ 2024 presidential bid, reportedly uncomfortable with the governor’s focus on culture-war issues. People close to Griffin say he has not decided whether to back any candidate in the 2026 governor’s race and has expressed no interest, so far, in underwriting efforts to undercut Donalds.

Other potential contenders

Investor James Fishback has signaled interest in a gubernatorial bid and has positioned himself as a pro-DeSantis candidate, frequently attacking Donalds on social media. Fishback told reporters he planned to launch a run, then delayed his public announcement; his campaign status remains uncertain. Reports indicate DeSantis’ political team has had contact with Fishback, even as Fishback’s advisers say DeSantis’ team is not directly managing his effort.

Outlook

With Donalds’ fundraising advantage and Trump’s endorsement, DeSantis faces pressure to assemble a well-funded alternative. Griffin’s decision to stay neutral for now complicates that effort, increasing the importance of other donors and independent groups that can move quickly on television and digital advertising.

Note: Details in this report are based on interviews with multiple people familiar with the discussions and public statements from the individuals involved.