Trump’s Endorsement Boosts Byron Donalds as Florida GOP Gubernatorial Frontrunner

Congressman Byron Donalds has emerged as the clear Republican frontrunner for Florida’s 2026 gubernatorial race, fueled by a formal endorsement from former President Donald Trump. Recent polls show Donalds holding a commanding lead over his primary challengers as the race to succeed term-limited Governor Ron DeSantis intensifies.

Investor James Fishback, a 30-year-old CEO, has positioned himself as Donalds’ main challenger, emphasizing affordability, environmental concerns over AI data centers, and opposition to H-1B visas. Fishback claims the frontrunner has not adequately addressed these issues, though internal polling to support this assertion has not been released. The campaign has already seen sharp rhetoric, including Fishback’s controversial remarks calling Donalds a “slave” to corporate interests, which drew immediate criticism. Donalds’ team dismissed Fishback as a “RINO” and emphasized that his strong Trump alliance and conservative record make him the dominant candidate in the primary.

Polling from Victory Insights and prediction markets such as Kalshi indicate Donalds has a high probability—over 75%—of winning the Republican nomination. Florida’s Democratic field, including former Representative David Jolly and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, faces an uphill battle in a state rated “Solid Republican,” making the GOP primary effectively decisive for the general election.

For now, Donalds’ combination of Trump’s endorsement, strong polling, and a conservative record positions him as the front-runner, while challengers struggle to gain traction in a crowded and high-stakes race.