Republican gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds received a major financial boost in Florida’s governor’s race after billionaire investor Ken Griffin donated $10 million to support his campaign.
The contribution, made to Donalds’ political committee, is the largest publicly disclosed donation of the campaign so far and further strengthens the congressman’s position as one of the leading Republicans seeking to succeed Gov. Ron DeSantis. The latest contribution also highlights growing support from influential conservative donors as Florida prepares for its 2026 gubernatorial election.
Griffin’s donation follows another significant contribution earlier this year from Pennsylvania billionaire Jeff Yass, who gave $7.5 million to Donalds’ political committee. Together, the two donors have provided $17.5 million, representing nearly one-fifth of the campaign’s reported $92 million fundraising total.
Donalds Builds Massive Campaign War Chest
With tens of millions of dollars available, Donalds’ campaign has invested heavily in television, digital advertising, and voter outreach across Florida. Campaign messaging has focused on his conservative record, economic policies, public safety, and plans to keep Florida’s business-friendly environment intact.
The sizable fundraising advantage gives Donalds significant resources as the Republican primary campaign enters its final stretch.
In a statement, Griffin praised Donalds’ leadership and expressed confidence in his vision for Florida.
Griffin said he believes Byron Donalds is committed to Florida’s families and local communities, adding that he is proud to support Donalds’ campaign for governor and is confident his leadership would serve Floridians well.
Griffin’s Endorsement Draws Attention
Griffin’s backing is especially notable because he has long been one of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ most prominent political supporters and donors.
Speculation has continued for months over whether DeSantis would endorse a candidate in the race, particularly after First Lady Casey DeSantis decided not to launch her own campaign for governor.
When asked whether Gov. DeSantis plans to endorse anyone following Florida’s Aug. 18 Republican primary, a spokesperson declined to offer additional details.
“If and when he decides to endorse a candidate, he will make that decision known publicly,” the spokesperson said.
Billionaire Continues Investing in Republican Candidates
Griffin has remained one of the Republican Party’s biggest financial supporters nationwide.
In addition to backing Donalds, he recently contributed $2.5 million to U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody’s re-election campaign as part of a broader effort to help Republicans maintain control of Congress during the upcoming elections.
The latest donation underscores Griffin’s continued investment in Republican candidates at both the state and federal levels.
Democrats Point to Different Fundraising Strategy
On the Democratic side, gubernatorial candidate David Jolly has reported raising roughly $9 million between his campaign and affiliated political committee.
Jolly’s campaign argued that its fundraising relies more heavily on smaller individual donations from Florida supporters rather than large contributions from wealthy donors.
“David Jolly is proud to lead the race in small-dollar donations from Florida. It’s one of the real contrasts in this race,” senior adviser Mark Riddle said.
Donalds Campaign Looks Ahead
Donalds’ campaign welcomed Griffin’s support and said it reflects growing confidence in the congressman’s conservative agenda for Florida.
Campaign spokesman Gates McGavick thanked Griffin for the contribution and reaffirmed the campaign’s focus on protecting Florida’s economy, supporting families, and preserving the state’s conservative direction.
“We will continue working nonstop to keep Florida red and ensure that the Free State of Florida remains the best place in America to start a business and raise a family,” McGavick said.
What It Means for the Florida Governor Race
With a campaign war chest approaching $100 million, Byron Donalds enters the next phase of Florida’s governor’s race with one of the strongest fundraising operations in the country. Backed by several of the nation’s most influential Republican donors, Donalds has the financial resources to expand his statewide campaign as voters prepare to choose Florida’s next governor.
As the race moves closer to Election Day, fundraising, endorsements, and voter outreach are expected to remain key factors in one of the nation’s most closely watched gubernatorial contests.