The field for the 2026 Florida gubernatorial election is set. U.S. Rep Byron Donalds secured the Republican nomination in Tuesday’s primary, while former Rep. David Jolly got the nod from Florida Democrats.
The two will face off in November for a seat held by Republicans since Jeb Bush took office in 1999. The most recent Florida gubernatorial election without an incumbent was 2018, when Ron DeSantis narrowly defeated Andrew Gillum.
Of the two races, Donalds’ was easily the more competitive. Following the exit of Jerry Demings in June, Jolly enjoyed a comfortable lead in primary polling. Though multiple GOP challengers led viable campaigns, Donalds won by over 22 points at 47.8%.
Florida Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins finished second among Republicans with just over a quarter of the vote. Insurgent outsider James Fishback was third at 10.5%, followed by former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner at 8.6%.
Polling throughout the summer has given Donalds an edge in the November general election, but Jolly has polled at a tie or lead four times since May. Still, most leading political forecasters consider the race a probable Republican hold.
If he’s elected in November, Byron Donalds would be the first ever Black Florida governor as well as the first Black Republican governor in U.S. history. “I am grateful to my family, my team, my volunteers, and every Floridian who powered us to this victory,” Donalds said on Tuesday. “Now is the time for the Republican Party to unite. By working together, we can make Florida more affordable and defend the Florida Dream for our families, seniors, and young people.”
Florida Governor (Republican Primary):
- Jay Collins – 25.2% – 426,787
- Byron Donalds – 47.8% – 810,675 – ADVANCES TO GENERAL
- James Fishback – 10.5% – 177,674
- Paul Renner – 8.6% – 144,989
- Rachel Rodriguez – 1.6% – 27,605
- Bobby Williams – 4.1% – 69,058
- Others – 2.3% – 39,547
Florida Governor (Democratic Primary):
- Evelyn Castillo-Bach – 7.7% – 96,602
- Thomas Fernandez – 3.8% – 47,272
- Dayna Foster – 15.1% – 189,234
- David Jolly – 61.0% – 761,674 – ADVANCES TO GENERAL
- Dotie Joseph – 9.6% – 119,837
- Stephann Norman – 2.8% – 34,929
