A new poll conducted by the Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) shows Congressman and Florida gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds (R-FL) with a commanding lead over his Republican primary opponents in the governor's race.
The results, per a press release, give Rep. Donalds 54% support, with businessman James Fishback at 8%, Lt. Gov. Jay Collins at 5%, and former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner at 2%, or a 46-point gap over Fishback.
Thirty-one percent of respondents are still undecided in the race.
"Florida Republicans are rallying-around Trump endorsed Byron Donalds and his plan to make Florida more affordable," said Ryan Smith, Chief Strategist for the Byron Donalds for Governor Campaign. "He's the common sense who will hand failed liberal lobbyists and politicians David Jolly and Gwen Graham yet another defeat."
The poll also found Rep. Donalds with broad support across the state, with 71% support in Fort Myers, 69% in West Palm Beach, 54% in Orlando, 53% in the Panhandle and 51% in Tampa. Moreover, Donalds has 60% support among seniors, 55% from white Republicans, and 54% from Hispanic Republicans.
"Byron Donalds is dominating the Republican primary race for Florida for Florida Governor," AIF Vice President of Political Operations Jeremy Sheftel said in the release. “With a commanding $81-million-dollar war chest, an extensive campaign and field apparatus, and a complete and total endorsement from President Donald J. Trump, Donalds is in an extremely advantageous position to be Florida’s Republican nominee for Governor with early voting beginning in two short months.”
Rep. Donalds' lead follows several polls showing him with a similar big lead in the Republican primary, including one from Fabrizio, Lee & Associates in May and Emerson College in April.
President Donald Trump endorsed Donalds in February 2025. U.S. Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL), House Speaker Mike Johson (R-La.), and several Florida congressional and state representatives have also endorsed Donalds in the race.
In addition, Donalds has been endorsed by a majority of Florida sheriffs, including Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, Miami-Dade County Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz, Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno, Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey, Duval County Sheriff T.K. Waters, Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco, Indian River County Sheriff Eric Flowers, and Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek.
Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Jolly announced Gwen Graham, a former Florida congressional representative, as his running mate earlier this week.
