Representative Byron Donalds has won the Republican nomination in Florida’s governor’s race, defeating several other candidates in the primary election. Donalds received 47.8% of the vote with nearly all votes counted, according to the Associated Press. His main opponents, Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins and investor James Fishback, received 25.2% and 10.5% of the vote, respectively.
Byron Donalds’ Background
Donalds has been representing Florida’s 19th District, which includes areas like Cape Coral, Fort Myers, and Naples, since 2021. He is known as a strong supporter of former President Donald Trump, who endorsed his campaign. Before serving in Congress, Donalds worked in the Florida House of Representatives. He holds a degree from Florida State University and has experience in the banking and finance sectors of Southwest Florida. Donalds grew up in Brooklyn, New York.
Election Opponent: David Jolly
Donalds will face Democratic former Representative David Jolly in the upcoming elections. Jolly, who served in a district based in Pinellas County, was a Republican in Congress until he became an independent in 2018. He later joined the Democratic Party last year due to disagreements with the GOP during the Trump era.
Meet Erika Donalds
Erika Donalds, wife of Byron Donalds, is active in conservative political circles. She is involved with the America First Policy Institute as the chair of education opportunity and is a proponent of school choice. Married to Byron since 2003, she has degrees from Florida State University and Florida Atlantic University. She founded the Optima Foundation, now known as the Education Freedom Foundation, to expand classical education through public charter schools. Erika’s professional background includes significant roles in financial management.
Donalds’ Family
Byron Donalds and his wife Erika have three sons: Damon, Darin, and Mason. Erika often shares their family story and experiences, highlighting their journey from college to starting a family in Naples.
Polling and Predictions
Recent polls show Byron Donalds leading, although a Democratic internal poll gives Jolly a slight edge with 46% to Donalds’ 45%. Other surveys, such as one from the James Madison Institute, show Donalds ahead, with a 7-point lead among likely voters. Prediction markets, like Kalshi and Polymarket, currently favor Donalds with an 83% chance of winning. Political analysts view the race as leaning Republican, with varying views on how competitive it may be.
Florida’s Political Landscape
Florida has shifted towards the Republican Party over the past decade. Trump increased his margin in the state from 2016 to 2024. Republicans have increased their voter registration lead. As of July, there were about 5.6 million registered Republicans compared to 4.1 million Democrats in Florida. The GOP has gained traction among Latino voters and benefitted from the influx of new residents from more conservative states.
Ron DeSantis, the current Republican governor, won his re-election by nearly 20 points in 2022. Such victories have allowed the GOP to implement several conservative policies statewide.