The Republican primary for Governor of Florida is scheduled to take place on August 18, 2026, to select the GOP nominee for the general election.
U.S. Representative Byron Donalds is the leading candidate, endorsed by former President Donald Trump, with rivals including James Fishback, Jay Collins, Wilton Simpson, Casey DeSantis, Matt Gaetz, and Jimmy Patronis.
Donalds holds a massive fundraising advantage with nearly $66 million in available funds and commanding polling leads ranging from 43% to 54% across multiple recent surveys.
Winning the primary secures the Republican nomination for the Florida governorship, with Donalds positioned to face Democratic nominee Jolly in the general election.
Note: The voter registration deadline on July 20, 2026, is the final date for party affiliation changes, meaning any late shifts in voter alignment must occur before this date.
State party rules for the GOP debate were announced such that only frontrunner Byron Donalds qualified, meeting all three requirements while rivals like James Fishback and Lt. Gov. Jay Collins did not.
youtube.comFormer President Donald Trump's early and sustained endorsement has consolidated Republican support behind Byron Donalds, who maintains commanding polling leads of 46–54% among GOP voters compared to single digits for rivals.
polymarket.comDonalds' campaign confirmed he is now focusing on the general election against Democratic nominee Jolly, having raised over $100 million with nearly $66 million in available funds as of last month.
CNNVoter registration or party affiliation change deadline for the August 18 primary.
Official date of the Florida Republican Gubernatorial Primary election.
AI-generated briefing. AI can make mistakes. This is not financial advice.
Donalds has secured a firmly established endorsement from former President Donald Trump, which a Fabrizio, Lee & Associates poll showed propelling his lead to 68% against Casey DeSantis when voters are aware of it.
polymarket.comfloridaphoenix.comHe possesses a significant fundraising lead with nearly $66 million in available funds, approximately ten times more than his closest competitor Jay Collins, allowing for extensive campaign operations.
CNNMultiple recent polls from Emerson College, UNF, and Fabrizio show Donalds holding 43–54% support among Republican primary voters, while rivals like Fishback and Collins remain in single digits or low doubles.
polymarket.comemersoncollegepolling.comfiftyplusone.newsAI-generated briefing. AI can make mistakes. This is not financial advice.
A significant portion of voters remain undecided, with an Emerson College poll finding 39% of Republican primary voters undecided, leaving room for movement in the final weeks before the August 18 election.
emersoncollegepolling.comRivals are actively pressing Donalds on issues such as his lawsuit history and debate criteria to make the final stretch of the primary less comfortable, according to recent reporting.
facebook.comMatt Gaetz is still contemplating a bid for the governorship, which could add complexity to a primary already featuring Trump-endorsed Donalds and a potential Casey DeSantis run.
AI-generated briefing. AI can make mistakes. This is not financial advice.