New polling data released Friday by The Tarrance Group shows Congressman Byron Donalds pulling away from the field in the Florida Republican gubernatorial primary, capturing 50% of the support among likely voters.
The surge leaves every other GOP contender trailing in the single digits, effectively reshaping the race into a one-man show as the primary season heats up.
The numbers reflect a steady climb for Donalds, whose statewide support has grown by 4 percentage points since January. The momentum is particularly visible in key regions; he saw a 14-point jump in the competitive Tampa Bay media market and a 7-point rise in the Panhandle.
Beyond the polling booth, Donalds has consolidated an expansive roster of high-profile backers. In addition to the endorsement of President Donald Trump, the Congressman is supported by Donald Trump Jr., Elon Musk, and U.S. Senator Rick Scott.
His coalition also includes a majority of Florida’s sheriffs, U.S. House leadership, 17 members of Florida’s congressional delegation, and 75% of the Republican caucus in the Florida House.
Financial reports underscore this political dominance. Donalds recently posted a record-setting fundraising total, bringing in more than $22 million during the first quarter of 2026. Campaign officials noted this represents the largest-ever haul for a non-incumbent candidate in the history of Florida politics.
The campaign views the combination of grassroots polling and financial strength as a sign that the “America First” platform is resonating with the base.
“The majority of Florida Republicans back Byron Donalds because he is THE Trump-endorsed America First conservative who will lower costs, fight illegal immigration, and defeat the Radical Democrats in November,” said Ryan Smith, Chief Strategist for the Byron Donalds for Governor Campaign.
With the primary approaching, Donalds currently maintains a commanding lead in both internal party matchups and projected general election scenarios.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox
