Rapper Nicki Minaj announced her endorsement of Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) in Florida’s Republican gubernatorial primary on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, urging her fans to support him ahead of the primary election on Tuesday.
The endorsement comes as Florida Republicans prepare to select their nominee in a crowded field. Donalds is competing against Lt. Gov. Jay Collins (R-FL), Former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives Paul Renner, and businessman James Fishback, among others.
Minaj’s statement read: “You have my vote. Barbz, please support him however you can. #TheGoodGuys.” Her endorsement adds a high-profile voice to the race, though its direct impact on voter turnout or candidate support remains to be seen.
Florida’s GOP primary is widely viewed as a test of political alignment with Gov. Ron DeSantis, whose policies and leadership have drawn both national praise and criticism. The winner of the primary will face the Democratic nominee in the November general election.
The primary election will determine the Republican nominee for governor, with the winner expected to advance to the general election in November. Polling ahead of the primary has shown a competitive race among the candidates, though Donalds has gained visibility through endorsements and media attention.
Rep. Byron Donalds has positioned himself as a staunch conservative, emphasizing limited government, opposition to vaccine mandates, and support for parental rights in education. His campaign has highlighted his record in Congress, where he has been a vocal critic of federal COVID-19 policies and a defender of Florida’s approach under DeSantis.
The primary election will conclude on Tuesday, with results expected to be announced later that evening. Early voting has been underway in Florida, and turnout is expected to be high given the competitive nature of the race.