Byron Donalds continues to dominate GOP field for Governor, poll shows

Another pollster found U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds dominating the Republican field for Governor. In fact, he’s the only one with support greater than the poll’s margin of error.

A poll from The American Promise shows 43% of likely Republican Primary voters favor Donalds, a Naples Republican, while just 2% support former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner, 1% want Lt. Gov. Jay Collins and less than that would like to see Azoria CEO James Fishback. More than half the electorate, 51%, remains undecided.

The poll, taken between Nov. 17 and 19, included responses from 800 respondents. Pollsters report a margin of error of 3.46%, greater than all non-Donalds candidates combined.

Moreover, the results for Donalds blast past a majority when GOP voters are informed the Congressman boasts President Donald Trump’s endorsement.

Based on that information, Donalds polls at 58%, a 15-percentage-point leap. Meanwhile, Renner and Collins stay at 2% and 1% respectively, while Fishback’s support jumps to 1% at the news.

“The 2026 Florida Republican primary remains Donalds’ race to lose,” wrote The American Promise executive director Ryan Tyson. “His base is strongest among the most active Republican voters, and his support grows significantly once voters are reminded of Trump’s endorsement.”

Notably, Tyson previously served as a pollster for Gov. Ron DeSantis’ presidential campaign.

But DeSantis has appeared to be preparing Collins, who he appointed Lieutenant Governor in August. Collins, a former state Senator, has been teasing a run for weeks.

Still, Tyson’s findings found plenty of good news for DeSantis personally. About 89% of GOP Primary voters give positive job approval ratings to the two-term Governor. That compares to 84% who give positive reviews to Trump in his second term.

While Tyson didn’t provide details on other prominent Florida figures holding statewide office or serving Trump’s administration, he said data looks positive for them as well.

“Senator Marco Rubio and Attorney General Ashley Moody remain well-regarded among Republicans, while figures such as Rick Scott and Casey DeSantis carry higher name ID but more mixed profiles,” Tyson wrote.