Donald Trump’s endorsement huge for Byron Donalds. But Ron DeSantis’ endorsement could change the game

One major endorsement is currently shaping the race for Florida Governor. But an endorsement yet to be conferred could mean more.

That’s the big takeaway from fresh polling of Florida Republican likely voters regarding August’s Primary.

President Donald Trump’s endorsement of U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds is giving the Naples Republican massive momentum with less than six months to go before votes are counted, but if Gov. Ron DeSantis actually endorses a candidate, those surveyed earlier this month say it could change their mind.

On the informed ballot where likely voters are told Donalds is backed by Trump, the Congressman takes 47% support, well ahead of all other names considered, including potential candidate First Lady Casey DeSantis, who draws just 12% when Donalds is presented as the President’s pick. James Fishback takes 5% support (but has 32% among voters under 35 years old), Lt. Gov. Jay Collins musters 2%, and just 1% back former House Speaker Paul Renner.

Meanwhile, a third of the 657 voters polled say they don’t know who they’d vote for, wouldn’t vote, would vote for someone else, or refused to answer the question.

In that context, the pollster says Donalds is in good shape if he lets voters know he’s Trump’s man.

“Given Trump’s notoriety and high popularity among Republicans, an endorsement from him is likely to decide the race, especially when Donalds has the campaign funds to heavily advertise this advantage to voters,” said Dr. Sean Freeder, University of North Florida Public Opinion Research Lab director and professor of political science.

Yet while Trump thinks Donalds is terrific, Gov. Ron DeSantis isn’t sold on the Congressman. He’s said that Donalds wasn’t a part of victories over the left in the state.

And if he gets involved, which he hasn’t to this point, his endorsement may mean more than the President’s.

While 32% of those surveyed say Trump’s endorsement would mean more than the Governor’s, 42% say DeSantis’ take would hold more sway.

This is true across age groups, regions, and demographics, with the exception of Hispanics. But even there, it’s essentially tied, with 41% valuing Trump’s choice more and 40% preferring DeSantis’ pick.

But this could be a matter of a known known versus a known unknown, Freeder suggests.

“That DeSantis’ endorsement edges out Trump’s in terms of importance may be less about voters’ preference for DeSantis’ opinion and more about their curiosity about it, given Trump’s opinion is already public knowledge,” said Freeder. “This would explain Donalds’ clean advantage over Casey DeSantis once the Trump endorsement is known, as her husband’s endorsement is surely assumed, should she run.”