# Florida 2026 gubernatorial race

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/florida-2026-gubernatorial-race
> Updated: 2026-08-06T19:51:09.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 3.

The 2026 Florida governor’s contest continues to evolve around Rep. Byron Donalds. A James Madison Institute poll of 1,400 registered voters released on August 6 shows Donalds leading the Republican primary with 49% of the vote, narrowly ahead of Democratic rival David Jolly at 47% in their respective party contests. The same survey indicates strong voter backing—74%—for a constitutional amendment that would raise the homestead tax exemption and curb property‑tax growth.

During the campaign, Republican candidate James Fishback cited an anonymous whistleblower to claim the Department of Justice is probing Donalds and Rep. Cory Mills for alleged sex‑trafficking activities. The DOJ denied any investigation into Donalds and clarified that any inquiry involving Mills relates to financial matters, not sexual offenses. Fishback said he would not run attack ads over the claim, describing it as “not political.”

Donald’s campaign remains bolstered by Trump’s endorsement, a $100 million fundraising haul, and his focus on lowering insurance costs, expanding cryptocurrency, and protecting the Everglades, while the data‑center controversy and the new amendment debate add further layers to the race.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-06: Byron Donalds Leads Florida Gubernatorial Poll Amid Sex Trafficking Allegations

A poll shows Rep. Byron Donalds ahead in the Florida governor race, while rival James Fishback alleges a DOJ sex‑trafficking probe of Donalds, which the department denies.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/byron-donalds-leads-florida-gubernatorial-poll-amid-sex-trafficking-allegations

### 2026-08-04: Rep. Byron Donalds Announces Run for Florida Governor with Trump Endorsement

Rep. Byron Donalds, backed by Donald Trump, entered the 2026 Florida governor race, pledging lower insurance costs, crypto growth, and Everglades protection.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rep-byron-donalds-announces-run-for-florida-governor-with-trump-endorsement

### 2026-07-31: Florida Gubernatorial Race Turns on Data Center Controversy

Florida governor hopeful Byron Donalds and congressional candidate Michael Carbonara clash over data‑center policies, with opponents demanding moratoriums amid concerns about water use, noise and industry ties.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/florida-gubernatorial-race-turns-on-data-center-controversy

---
Cite as: Florida 2026 gubernatorial race. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/florida-2026-gubernatorial-race