Congressman Byron Donalds secured a decisive victory in Florida's Republican gubernatorial primary on Tuesday, capturing 48% of the vote and defeating a field that included Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins, former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner, and businessman James Fishback.

Donalds, who has represented southwest Florida in Congress since 2021, benefited from an early and enthusiastic endorsement from President Donald Trump. "Florida, Vote for Byron Donalds for Governor. He has my Complete and total Endorsement. He will never let you down!" Trump declared in his endorsement message.

The primary result represents a significant rebuke to outgoing Governor Ron DeSantis, who had handpicked Collins as his preferred successor. Despite DeSantis's backing, Collins was unable to overcome the momentum generated by Trump's endorsement and Donalds's strong conservative credentials.

Trump's Continued Influence in Republican Primaries

The Florida result adds to a growing list of successful Trump endorsements in the 2026 primary cycle. From South Carolina to Minnesota, candidates backed by the former president have demonstrated significant advantages in Republican contests, though the results have been mixed in competitive races.

Donalds's victory margin—nearly doubling his closest competitor—suggests Trump's influence remains potent in Florida politics, even as DeSantis completes his second term as governor. The congressman's ability to consolidate conservative support while maintaining establishment credibility positioned him as the clear frontrunner throughout the campaign.

November Showdown Ahead

Donalds will face the Democratic nominee in the November 3 general election for the governorship of a state that has shifted significantly to the right over the past decade. When DeSantis first ran for governor in 2018, Florida was considered a swing state; today, Republicans hold substantial advantages in voter registration and recent electoral performance.

The congressman's campaign emphasized traditional conservative priorities including economic growth, educational freedom, and border security—themes that have resonated with Florida's Republican base and align closely with Trump's national messaging.

With DeSantis term-limited and unable to seek a third term in 2026, Florida Republicans bet heavily on Donalds to continue the rightward trajectory the state has followed under DeSantis's leadership. The Trump endorsement, combined with Donalds's legislative record and fundraising strength, helped him overcome concerns about challenging a sitting lieutenant governor.

Florida's gubernatorial race will serve as a key test of whether Trump-backed candidates can maintain their primary success into general elections, particularly in states where Republican dominance has grown in recent cycles.