U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Naples), a leading candidate in the Republican gubernatorial race, will deliver a keynote address for an annual Alachua County GOP fundraiser, local party officials announced Wednesday.

Donalds, who represents Florida’s 19th District in Congress, will be the special guest speaker at the 23^rd annual Ronald Reagan Black Tie and Blue Jeans BBQ in September.

The congressman announced earlier this year that he would seek to succeed Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2026.

Alachua County Republicans expect Donalds to be a “crowd pleaser” at an anticipated sellout event, according to a press release from the organization.

“He [Donalds] already has a significant following and strong campaign for governor,” Alachua County Republican Party Chair Tim Marden said in the release. “He is a great representative for today’s party. People love him, and he is already pre-endorsed by President Trump. I would not be surprised if he wins the whole thing.”

U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack (R-Gainesville) is also scheduled to speak at the event. 

The barbecue serves as fundraiser for the local party and does not raise money for any candidate or candidate committee, according to the release.

Donalds follows a long line of national keynote speakers at the annual fundraiser.  Former speakers include: DeSantis, former South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, media personality Candace Owens, talk radio host Larry Elder, Sen. Rick Scott and Rep. Jimmy Patronis who headlined last year’s event.

Tickets for the event from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sept. 25 at the Legacy Multiple Purpose Center, 15400 Peggy Road Alachua, Florida, are on sale at www.alachuarepublicans.com. Individual tickets are $95 for general admission while tables start at $1,000.