Florida GOP primary intensifies as Jay Collins and Byron Donalds campaign

Florida Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins and U.S. Representative Byron Donalds are the leading contenders in the Republican primary for governor ahead of the Aug. 18 primary. Donalds, backed by former President Donald Trump, has been the frontrunner in several polls and emphasizes insurance reform, FEMA reimbursement issues from Hurricane Ian, and support for Speaker Mike Johnson. Collins, who has served as lieutenant governor since 2025, is contesting the candidacy of James Fishback over residency requirements and has criticized claims that he threatened a former DeSantis staffer, calling the allegations "baseless" and denying any conflict with Governor Ron DeSantis. The race also includes former House Speaker Paul Renner, former state senator Jim Holcomb, and several other Republicans, with Collins describing the field as a "two‑man race" against Donalds. Both candidates are focusing on issues such as teen crime, immigration enforcement, and economic policy as they vie for the governorship.