A powerful new poll out of Florida is turning heads—and it’s great news for conservatives.
Rep. Byron Donalds, a strong ally of President Donald Trump, is pulling far ahead in the Republican primary for governor, according to a newly released Emerson College survey. The numbers suggest that Florida voters are rallying behind a proven conservative voice as the 2026 election cycle heats up.
Donalds Dominates GOP Primary Field
The poll shows Donalds leading the Republican field with an impressive 46.4% support, putting him miles ahead of his competitors.
Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, businessman James Fishback, and former House Speaker Paul Renner are all stuck in the low single digits—failing to gain meaningful traction with voters.
Even more telling? Nearly 40% of Republican voters remain undecided, meaning Donalds’ lead could grow even larger as the race develops.
Trump Endorsement Fuels Momentum
Donalds’ rise comes after receiving a key endorsement from President Trump—something that continues to carry major weight with Republican voters.
Since launching his campaign earlier this year, Donalds has built a reputation as a consistent America First conservative. His message is clearly resonating, especially with older voters who play a crucial role in Florida elections.
According to the poll, 54% of GOP voters over age 60 support Donalds, showing strong backing from one of the most reliable voting blocs in the country.
Potential Rivals Struggle to Break Through
There had been speculation that Casey DeSantis might enter the race, but so far, she has stayed on the sidelines following scrutiny surrounding the now-closed Hope Florida investigation.
Even if she jumps in, the poll shows Donalds still holding a commanding lead—further proof that Republican voters are already coalescing around his campaign.
Meanwhile, candidate James Fishback has generated headlines for controversial remarks and past allegations, which he denies. Despite the attention, his campaign has failed to gain serious support among voters.
Democrats Face Uncertainty and Weak Support
On the Democratic side, things look far less organized.
David Jolly—a former Republican who switched parties just last year—leads the field with only 20.7% support. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings trails behind, and more than half of Democratic voters remain undecided.
That level of uncertainty highlights a major challenge for Democrats heading into a critical election year.
General Election Numbers Favor Republicans
In hypothetical matchups, Donalds is already outperforming both leading Democrats.
- Donalds leads Jolly by over 5 points
- Donalds leads Demings by nearly 10 points
A sizable number of voters are still undecided, but the early data suggests Republicans are in a strong position to keep control of the governor’s office.
Historic Stakes Add to the Race
This race could also make history.
If either Donalds or Demings wins, Florida would elect its first Black governor—a milestone moment for the state.
Bottom Line: Donalds Is the Candidate to Beat
With strong polling numbers, backing from President Trump, and growing support among core Republican voters, Byron Donalds has quickly become the clear frontrunner in Florida’s governor race.
While the election is still months away, one thing is already clear:
the momentum is firmly on Donalds’ side.