A number of President Trump’s most vocal and controversial allies are considering runs for governor in 2026, opening the door to the president having more influence in state capitals across the country.

Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) has been laying the groundwork for a run in Florida, while former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) also said he has started to think about a run in the state. Vivek Ramaswamy has said he will launch a bid in Ohio, while Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) said this week she is “seriously considering” a run for governor in her state. And Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) is publicly mulling a run for Arizona’s top office, filing a statement of interest earlier this week.

The slate of divisive Trump loyalists could reshape the country’s image of state executives, who have had some of the most positive approval ratings of any politicians in the country and generally have been seen as sober counterweights to whichever administration is in power.

“This started a couple of cycles ago and judging by the success Donald Trump had in 2024, I would anticipate more and more candidates who share his commitment to certain policy ideas,” said Jesse Hunt, a Republican strategist and former communications director at the Republican Governors Association.

“Candidates will stylistically be closer to the newer brand of Republican maybe than your more traditional reserve brand of Republican,” he added.

Sources confirmed to The Hill last week that Ramaswamy is planning a run. He would join Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost (R) in a GOP primary. Additionally, Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague (R) has filed........

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