While President Donald Trump has only been back in office since Monday, several Republican lawmakers have indicated they are seeking higher offices in the next major elections in 2026.
The GOP has control of both chambers of Congress, but several members have hinted at running for governor rather than sticking around for another Congress. Here are four lawmakers who have not shied away from showing interest in running for governor in their respective states.
Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL)
Donalds has been in Congress since 2021 but has reportedly been making all the moves to indicate he will run to succeed term-limited Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL).
The Florida congressman has been floated as a gubernatorial candidate for years, saying in 2023 that he believed “a lot of people in Florida would like” it if he ran. However, he has yet to confirm a run.
A report from NBC News earlier this month suggested Donalds told donors and major political players in the Sunshine State that he is running. Donalds has been a close ally to Trump, sitting in the president’s box during Monday’s inauguration parade in Washington, D.C.
Other possible Republican candidates for governor in Florida include former Rep. Matt Gaetz and Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez (R-FL). Sen. Ashley Moody (R-FL) was floated as a contender but will likely run for the rest of her term after being appointed to replace Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the seat earlier this month.
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC)
Mace, one of the House GOP’s firebrands, has made headlines during her four years in Congress from wearing a “scarlet letter” to her outspoken opposition to allowing biological men in women’s restrooms. Now, she is reportedly exploring a run for governor in South Carolina.
The South Carolina congresswoman told the Associated Press that she is “seriously considering” a run for governor next year.
“I’ve been in the state Legislature before, I have great relationships in Washington now, and I’ve acquired the leadership necessary to be bold, to make sure that we are moving forward with conservative policies. I have made a difference in the work that I have done up here, and know that I could do even more at the state level,” Mace said.
If she runs, Mace would seek to succeed term-limited Gov. Henry McMaster (R-SC). However, she could face competition in the primary from state Attorney General Alan Wilson and Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette (R-SC), who are also reportedly considering a run.
Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ)
Biggs has served in Congress since 2017. He filed a statement of interest for the gubernatorial race in 2026 in the Grand Canyon State earlier this week.
The Arizona congressman has not launched a campaign but rather said in a statement Tuesday that he is looking “forward to conversing with my fellow Arizonans as I consider this weighty decision.”
Biggs, an ardent supporter of Trump, may not get the president’s support should he run for governor after Trump announced support for another candidate who may enter the race.
The president endorsed Karrin Taylor Robson at an event in December, telling the crowd that Robson would have his support should she run for governor. Robson ran for governor in 2022 but lost to Kari Lake in the Republican primary.
The Arizona gubernatorial race is one of the key pickup opportunities for the GOP. The unpopular incumbent Gov. Katie Hobbs (D-AZ) is facing reelection in a state Trump won by nearly 6% in last year’s presidential election.
Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN)
Blackburn won reelection to her Senate seat last year but could be seeking the governor’s mansion outside Nashville.
The second-term senator was asked if she would run for governor earlier this week, telling The Mix Morning Show that she “will give it all serious consideration.”
“I am so honored that so many of our elected officials in this state and our state legislature have asked us to give it consideration, and we will do that,” Blackburn said on the radio show.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Blackburn was handily reelected to her seat in November and is reportedly the polling favorite in the GOP race to succeed term-limited Gov. Bill Lee (R-TN).
Other Republican lawmakers who could be eyeing gubernatorial runs in their respective states include Reps. Mike Lawler (R-NY) and Ralph Norman (R-SC).
