Byron Donalds Wins GOP Nomination for Florida Governor
U.S. Representative Byron Donalds has secured the Republican nomination for governor of Florida, bolstered by an endorsement from former President Donald Trump.
In the GOP primary that took place on Tuesday, Donalds, who represents Florida, garnered 810,675 votes, or 47.8%, with nearly all votes counted, as reported by the Associated Press.
Other candidates in the race included Florida Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins, Azoria CEO James Fishback, businessman Jim Holcomb, Arthur Joseph McCaffrey, Daniel Nokovich, attorney Paul Renner, Rachel Rodriguez, farmer James W. Shaw, former aircraft mechanic Caneste Succe, and nonprofit leader Bobby Williams. Collins finished second, receiving 25.2% of the votes.
Since 2021, Donalds has focused on issues like school choice, parental rights, border security, and government accountability. His campaign claims that he consistently receives top ratings from conservative groups for his voting record.
Trump endorsed Donalds early, prior to his formal announcement about running for governor.
“I know Byron well and have seen him tested at the highest levels; he is a TOTAL WINNER!” Trump stated in February 2025, expressing confidence in Donalds’ potential governorship and his alignment with Trump’s America First agenda.
Support for Donalds continued when Trump reiterated his endorsement in May.
In addition to Trump, Donalds has also received backing from Donald Trump Jr., late conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Elon Musk, and Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders.
Looking ahead, Donalds will face former U.S. Representative David Jolly, who has also emerged from his own primary with considerable support, winning 761,674 votes—about 61%—according to the AP.
Jolly, who was once a Republican, served in the House from 2014 to 2017 but switched to the Democratic Party in 2025. He aims to address issues like affordability and education, advocating for insurance reform and increased investment in public schools. He has also promised to restore reproductive rights in Florida and expand Medicaid, seeing it as vital for supporting childbirth care and related services.
This upcoming election presents a clear contrast in priorities and ideologies as the race for Florida’s governorship heats up.
