Byron Donalds has whopping 43-POINT LEAD in the Florida Republican gubernatorial primary

 

Byron Donalds

Trump-Endorsed Byron Donalds Holds Commanding Lead in Florida GOP Governor Primary, New Poll Shows

Florida — U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds remains the clear frontrunner in the Florida Republican gubernatorial primary, holding a massive lead over his potential rivals, according to a new survey conducted by The American Promise, a top Florida-based polling firm.

The poll shows Donalds with 38% support among likely Republican primary voters, far ahead of Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, who received 9%. Azoria CEO James Fishback registered 2%, while former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner stood at 1%. Nearly 49% of respondents said they remain undecided.

The survey was conducted December 8–9 and carries a 3.46-point margin of error, according to pollster Ryan Tyson, who previously served as pollster for Gov. Ron DeSantis’ presidential campaign.

Trump Endorsement Supercharges Donalds’ Support

When voters were informed of President Donald Trump’s endorsement, Donalds’ support surged to 50%, giving him a 43-point advantage over Collins, who dropped to 7%. Fishback and Renner each remained at 1%, while 39% of voters said they were still unsure.

The findings underscore the enduring power of Trump’s backing in Florida Republican primaries and suggest that Donalds’ early alignment with the former president continues to pay political dividends.

Millions Spent, Limited Impact

The poll was conducted after the Florida Fighters political committee launched a multiweek television and digital advertising campaign in support of Collins. Tyson estimated the effort at $5 million to $6 million, making it the only major paid media campaign currently airing in the race.

“The purpose of this was to test what effect this media flight had on the ballot for Governor,” Tyson wrote in a polling memo.

While the ads appear to have helped Collins improve his standing—he polled at just 1% in a November baseline survey—the campaign has not significantly narrowed the gap. That earlier poll showed Donalds at 43%, with Renner at 2% and Fishback below 1%.

Race Dynamics Taking Shape

Despite attempts by some candidates to position themselves as ideological heirs to Gov. Ron DeSantis, Tyson noted that DeSantis has not endorsed any candidate in the race. As a result, no DeSantis-backed ballot test was included in the survey.

“We did not provide a DeSantis endorsement ballot because he hasn’t made one,” Tyson wrote. “If he does, our informed ballot will reflect that new information in future tracking.”

Donalds, who launched his gubernatorial campaign in March, entered the race earlier than any other major contender and has consistently maintained front-runner status.

With Trump’s endorsement firmly in place and no rival gaining significant traction despite heavy spending, the poll suggests Donalds begins the race with a decisive advantage as Florida’s Republican primary field continues to take shape.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is leading the Florida Republican gubernatorial primary?

U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds is the clear frontrunner in the Florida GOP governor’s race, according to a new poll.

2. How much support does Byron Donalds have in the poll?

Donalds has 38% support among likely Republican primary voters. When voters are informed of Donald Trump’s endorsement, his support rises to 50%.

3. How far ahead is Donalds compared to his rivals?

With Trump’s endorsement factored in, Donalds leads Lt. Gov. Jay Collins by 43 points.

4. Who are the other candidates in the Republican primary?

The field includes Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, James Fishback, and former House Speaker Paul Renner.

5. How is Jay Collins performing in the race?

Collins received 9% support in the uninformed ballot and 7% after voters were told of Trump’s endorsement.

6. How many voters are still undecided?

Nearly 49% of voters were undecided in the initial ballot. After the endorsement was revealed, 39% remained unsure.

7. What impact did political advertising have on the race?

Despite an estimated $5–$6 million in ad spending supporting Jay Collins, Byron Donalds maintained a dominant lead.

8. When was the poll conducted and by whom?

The poll was conducted December 8–9 by The American Promise and has a 3.46-point margin of error.

9. Has Gov. Ron DeSantis endorsed a candidate?

No. Gov. DeSantis has not endorsed any candidate in the Republican primary so far.

10. Why is Donald Trump’s endorsement important in this race?

The poll shows Trump’s backing significantly boosts Donalds’ support, highlighting Trump’s continued influence in Florida Republican politics.