U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds is solidifying his position as the clear frontrunner in the 2026 Florida gubernatorial race, posting fundraising numbers that dwarf the rest of the field combined.
New financial disclosures show the Naples Republican raised a massive $22.4 million in the first three months of the year—more than four times the $5 million total collected by his five major rivals from both parties.
The haul includes $19.8 million for his “Friends of Byron Donalds” political committee and $2.64 million for his main campaign account. High-profile backers include Philadelphia billionaire Jeff Yass and the Club for Growth, who each gave $2.5 million, alongside $1 million contributions from both the Seminole Tribe of Florida and casino mogul Steve Wynn.
This financial momentum was on full display during Donalds’ first public campaign stop in Pensacola since entering the race.
Speaking to nearly 200 supporters at the Fish House restaurant, Donalds was interrupted by a ringing phone. While the crowd speculated it might be the White House on the line, Donalds laughed and set the record straight.
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“Y’all, give me a second,” he said. “It’s my Mom.” Donalds answered the call and eventually put his mother on speakerphone.
“Hi, everyone. Everyone, stay blessed and have a great rally,” she told the applauding crowd. Donalds told the audience, “You’d better talk to your mom when she calls.”
The enthusiasm in the crowd mirrored recent polling data.
A survey by GOP pollster Ryan Tyson shows Donalds with 44% support in the Republican primary. That lead jumps to 62% when voters are reminded of the endorsement from President Donald Trump.
His closest GOP competitors remain far behind in both polls and pockets; Lt. Gov. Jay Collins raised $1.74 million this quarter, while former House Speaker Paul Renner brought in $800,000 but spent heavily on advertising.
However, the general election may prove more competitive. While Donalds dominates the primary, an April 13 poll from Democratic firm EDGE Communications shows him in a statistical dead heat with Democratic candidate David Jolly, leading by less than one percentage point. Jolly, a former Republican congressman, raised $1.92 million this same quarter and has nearly $5 million in total campaign funds.
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In Pensacola, Donalds leaned into his “Defending the Florida Dream” platform, promising to build on the policies of current Governor Ron DeSantis. He addressed local concerns like property taxes and insurance costs, stating, “The people of Florida are not piggy banks.”
Despite his microphone battery dying mid-speech—forcing officials to scramble for a replacement—Donalds kept the crowd engaged, focusing on the state’s future.
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