Byron Donalds Leads Florida GOP Governor Primary, Poll Shows

U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds holds a commanding lead in Florida’s Republican gubernatorial primary, according to a new internal poll, with his advantage growing substantially once voters learn of President Donald Trump’s endorsement.

The Fabrizio, Lee & Associates survey shows Donalds as the “clear frontrunner” across every tested scenario. Among declared candidates, 47 percent of Republican primary voters support Donalds, compared to 5 percent for Azoria CEO James Fishback and 4 percent for former House Speaker Paul Renner.

The poll surveyed 600 likely primary voters from January 4-6, with a 4 percent margin of error.

Should Lt. Gov. Jay Collins enter the race – as backers of his multimillion-dollar advertising campaign hope – the dynamics would remain largely unchanged. Pollster David Lee projects Donalds would still lead with 45 percent to Collins’ 6 percent, Fishback’s 4 percent, and Renner’s 3 percent.

“Any sugar high from Jay Collins’ multimillion ad buy has completely dissipated,” Lee wrote in a polling memo.

The only challenger reaching double digits in any scenario is First Lady Casey DeSantis. With her in the race, Donalds leads 39 percent to 26 percent, placing him outside the margin of error.

Trump’s endorsement dramatically amplifies Donalds’ support. Against declared candidates alone, his backing propels Donalds to 76 percent, with Fishback at 6 percent and Renner at 1 percent.

Even in a four-way race including Collins, Donalds secures 58 percent support.

Against DeSantis with Trump’s endorsement disclosed, Donalds leads 48 percent to 21 percent, with Fishback at 5 percent and Renner at 2 percent.

“Despite Casey DeSantis’ last name and Jay Collins’ multimillion ad spend, Byron Donalds is far and away the clear choice to unify Florida Republicans, keep the state red, and defeat the Democrats in November,” Lee concluded.