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20 clusters · 135 sources · 95 days · First seen · Last updated

Florida GOP Primary Results and Gubernatorial Race

Overview

Following the August 18, 2026, primary elections, Republican Byron Donalds secured the GOP nomination for Governor of Florida with approximately 47.8 percent of the vote. Supported by Donald Trump and possessing a campaign fund exceeding $100 million, Donalds defeated 11 candidates, including Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins, businessman James Fishback, and former House Speaker Paul Renner. Donalds is set to face Democrat David Jolly in the general election on November 3.

In the U.S. Senate race to fill the seat vacated by Marco Rubio, Republican Ashley Moody secured the GOP nomination with 80 percent of the vote. On the Democratic side, progressive state lawmaker Angie Nixon achieved a major upset victory over Alexander Vindman, winning 56 percent of the vote despite a significant fundraising disadvantage. In the 19th Congressional District, Jim Schwartzel won the Republican primary with 29.2 percent of the vote, defeating Trump-endorsed Catalina Lauf.

As the general election approaches, the Cook Political Report downgraded the gubernatorial race from ‘Solid Republican’ to ‘Likely Republican.’ Analysts suggest that while Donalds holds a massive financial advantage, Jolly—a former Republican—may appeal to independent and disaffected Republican voters. However, Jolly would require a substantial financial boost to fund a statewide television campaign capable of challenging Donalds’ lead.

During the campaign, Donalds has addressed infrastructure and public health, notably attributing measles outbreaks to illegal immigration. He has also dismissed calls from Jolly to investigate the Hope Florida Foundation regarding a leaked grand jury report alleging the misappropriation of a $67 million Medicaid settlement. Donalds characterized the controversy as a matter of ‘politics,’ arguing voters are more focused on economic issues like food and utility costs.

Entities

Byron Donalds · Florida · David Jolly · Ron DeSantis · Donald Trump

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

Coverage disagrees

Sources make claims that cannot both be true. CLSTR reports the disagreement; it does not decide who is right.

  • "Byron Donalds entered the gubernatorial race with a campaign fund exceeding $90 million to $100 million."

    vs

    "Byron Donalds has raised more than $100 million for his campaign."

    One claim states Byron Donalds' campaign fund is between $90 million and $100 million, while the other states it is more than $100 million.

  • "Victor Arias won the Democratic primary for Florida's 19th Congressional District with 45% of the vote." www.capecoralbreeze.com

    vs

    "Jim Schwartzel won the Republican primary for Florida's 19th Congressional District."

    One claim asserts Jim Schwartzel won the Republican primary for Florida's 19th Congressional District, while the other asserts Victor Arias won the Democratic primary for the same district.

Timeline

  1. 21 days ago

    [POLITICS] 4 sources
    Byron Donalds and David Jolly face tightening Florida governor race

    Republican Byron Donalds and Democrat David Jolly face a tightening Florida gubernatorial race amid controversy regarding the Hope Florida Foundation and Medicaid settlement funds.

  2. 23 days ago

    [POLITICS] 3 sources
    Florida governor's race shifts to 'Likely Republican' by Cook Political Report

    The Cook Political Report shifted the Florida governor's race from “Solid Republican” to “Likely Republican,” noting that Democrat David Jolly could make the contest competitive despite Byron Donalds' financial

  3. 25 days ago

    [POLITICS] 3 sources
    Byron Donalds addresses measles and infrastructure in Florida campaign

    Florida Republican gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds attributed measles outbreaks to illegal immigration and pledged to prioritize road repairs and law enforcement during his campaign.

  4. 28 days ago

    [POLITICS] 8 sources
    Byron Donalds' Florida gubernatorial run discussed on MS NOW

    MS NOW co-host Jonathan Capehart sparked criticism after questioning if Byron Donalds’ Florida gubernatorial run would face unique difficulties compared to a white Republican candidate.

  5. about 1 month ago

    [POLITICS] 20 sources
    Byron Donalds wins Florida Republican gubernatorial primary

    Byron Donalds has won the Republican nomination for Florida Governor and will face Democrat David Jolly in the November general election.

  6. about 1 month ago

    [POLITICS] 87 sources
    Florida primaries: Byron Donalds and Angie Nixon secure key victories

    Byron Donalds won the Florida GOP gubernatorial primary, while Democrat David Jolly secured the Democratic nomination. In a major upset, progressive Angie Nixon won the Democratic U.S. Senate primary.

  7. about 1 month ago

    [POLITICS] 6 sources
    Stephen A. Smith praises Florida Rep. Byron Donalds

    ESPN host Stephen A. Smith praised Florida Republican gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds, stating the congressman is ‘the real deal’ and could potentially convince Smith to join the Republican Party.

  8. about 1 month ago

    [POLITICS] 5 sources
    Byron Donalds discusses Florida campaign on Stephen A. Smith program

    Florida GOP gubernatorial frontrunner Byron Donalds discussed affordability and housing on Stephen A. Smith’s program, amid high polling numbers ahead of the August 18 primary.

  9. about 1 month ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Byron Donalds challenges revenue estimates and clashes with David Jolly

    Florida gubernatorial candidates Byron Donalds and David Jolly are clashing over cultural issues and economic policy, as Donalds questions state revenue estimates regarding a proposed property tax amendment.

  10. about 2 months ago

    [POLITICS] 3 sources
    Byron Donalds pushes property tax reform and police camera policy in Florida governor race

    Florida GOP gubernatorial frontrunner Byron Donalds, who has raised over $100 million, vows to rewrite the state’s property tax system regardless of Amendment 3 and to set policy limits on Flock license‑plate‑c

  11. about 2 months ago

    [POLITICS] 4 sources
    Byron Donalds receives $10 million donation and unveils school nutrition plan

    Byron Donalds, Florida GOP governor front‑runner, received a $10 million donation from Ken Griffin and launched a school nutrition and water‑testing program to remove ultra‑processed foods and ensure safe water

  12. 2 months ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Florida GOP Gubernatorial Candidate Byron Donalds Challenges Democrat David Jolly to Three Debates

    Republican Byron Donalds, running for Florida governor, challenged Democrat David Jolly to three debates, seeking broadcaster proposals; a poll shows Donalds ahead by five points ahead of the Aug. 18 primary.

  13. 2 months ago

    [POLITICS] 5 sources
    Florida GOP primary intensifies as Jay Collins and Byron Donalds campaign

    Jay Collins and Byron Donalds lead the Florida GOP gubernatorial primary, with Donalds backed by Trump and Collins denying alleged conflicts with DeSantis staff.

  14. 2 months ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Republican Gubernatorial Primary Spending Outpaces Fundraising in Arizona and Florida

    Arizona and Florida GOP gubernatorial hopefuls are spending more than they raise, with Arizona candidates nearly emptying their war chests and Florida’s top contender Byron Donalds spending $6.95 M while cash‑r

  15. 2 months ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Byron Donalds Rolls Out $20 Million Ad Blitz and Earns CFC Florida Highly Qualified Governor Rating

    Byron Donalds has launched a $20 million statewide ad blitz for the 2026 Florida governor race and received the Christian Family Coalition Florida’s Highly Qualified rating for governor.

  16. 2 months ago

    [POLITICS] 3 sources
    Byron Donalds Faces Lawsuit Over 2022 Grocery Store Threat Allegations in Florida GOP Primary

    Florida Rep. Byron Donalds, GOP gubernatorial frontrunner, is sued by school board member Kelly Mason, who says he threatened to “crush” her in a 2022 grocery‑store altercation; his campaign calls the suit a ho

  17. 3 months ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Byron Donalds Leads Florida Gubernatorial Primary Race

    Byron Donalds dominates Florida's gubernatorial primary with record fundraising, strong endorsements and a 54% poll lead.

  18. 3 months ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Byron Donalds Leads Florida GOP Primary with Fundraising Surge and Senate Criticism

    Rep. Byron Donalds dominates Florida’s GOP governor primary, criticizing the Senate over the SAVE Act while holding a $66 million cash lead over rivals.

  19. 3 months ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Byron Donalds Gains Trump Endorsement and $7.5 Million Boost from TikTok Billionaire in Florida Governor Race

    Florida Rep. Byron Donalds, backed by Trump, has raised over $81 million for his 2026 governor bid, highlighted by a $7.5 million donation from TikTok‑linked billionaire Jeff Yass.

  20. 4 months ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Donald Trump endorses GOP candidates in Texas and Florida races

    Donald Trump endorsed Texas Governor candidate Ken Paxton and Florida Rep. Byron Donalds, boosting their GOP campaigns amid legal and personal controversies.

Sources

100percentfedup.com · 92q.com · alternet.org · amconmag.com · americafirstreport.com · americanwirenews.com · antiguatribune.com · aphelonline.com · arabnews.pk · azcapitoltimes.com · babylonbee.com · barbadosgazette.com · beckerlawyers.com · brandonsun.com · breitbart.com · ca.sports.yahoo.com · capecoralbreeze.com · cbsnews.com · classixphilly.com · collive.com · conservativedailynews.com · conservativeplaylist.com · cremation.com · crooksandliars.com · cryptobriefing.com · cubanoticias360.com · dailycallernewsfoundation.org · dailysignal.com · digitalchew.com · dnyuz.com · dossier.today · drrichswier.com · elbuentono.com.mx · eldiariodechihuahua.mx · eldiariony.com · electricalengineer.ca · elnuevodiario.com.do · europesays.com · filmcounter.com · flaglerlive.com · floridadaily.com · floridapolitics.com · folkets.dk · freebeacon.com · freerepublic.com · getuperica.com · habermetre.com · haitiantimes.com

This summary has been updated 25 times: see revision history