According to poll officials, Congressman Byron Donalds’ lead in the gubernatorial race is largely attributed to his high name recognition among Republican voters, a factor significantly boosted by President Trump’s endorsement.
TAMPA, Fla. — Florida Congressman Byron Donalds, who is running for governor in 2026, is gaining momentum with a recent poll positioning him as the leading candidate in the race.
The survey, conducted by Mason-Dixon Polling & Strategy, reveals that Rep. Donalds is currently ahead with 37% support.
Compared to his competitors, Donalds, who represents Naples, has a significant lead over Lt. Governor Jay Collins (7%), Paul Renner (4%), and James Fishback (3%), while a substantial 49% of voters remain undecided.
Poll officials note that his lead is predominantly due to his strong name recognition among Republican voters, a factor amplified by his endorsement from President Donald Trump.
“The advantage of name recognition is a critical element contributing to his status as the frontrunner,” the poll indicates.
A separate poll from Fabrizio, Lee & Associates also recognizes Donalds as a clear frontrunner, based on a statewide survey of 600 likely Florida Republican primary voters.
The survey also specifically focuses on voters who are aware of Trump’s endorsement, with Donalds’ receiving 68% of those who were polled.
Trailing behind Donalds in that survey is current First Lady Casey DeSantis at 26%, who has not formally announced a bid for the governor’s office.
“Informing voters of President Trump’s endorsement of Donalds increases Donalds’ lead on each ballot iteration,” the survey reads.
Donalds’ campaign office recognized his lead in the polls in a news release sent Thursday morning.
“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,” Ryan Smith, Chief Strategist for the Byron Donalds for Governor Campaign, said in a statement.
Along with President Trump, Rep. Donalds has received the endorsement of Elon Musk, Arkanas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, U.S. House Leadership, 27 top Florida sheriffs, 17 members of Florida’s congressional delegation and 75% of the Republican caucus in the Florida House.
