Polling Average
50%40%30%20%10%0%
37.6%
26.2%
11.0%
8.2%
Republican
Trump Endorsed
Trump EndorsedFlorida Republican Governor nominee?
$17.0M
AUG 19, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Live Odds
Current prediction-market probability for the candidate, updated as market prices change.
Byron Donalds is trading at 97% to win the Florida Republican Governor nominee? on prediction markets.
Candidate Overview
Key details about the candidate’s background, party, office sought and current campaign.
Current roleU.S. Representative
PartyRepublican
Political ideologyTrump-aligned Republican
Age47 years old (Oct 28, 1978)
GenderMale
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LocationFlorida
BackgroundPolitician
EducationFlorida A&M University
Notable personal detailsByron Lowell Donalds (born October 28, 1978) is a Republican politician serving as the U.S. representative for Florida's 19th congressional district (in office since January 3, 2021). He previously served in the Florida House of Representatives (2016–2020). Donalds attended Florida A&M University and earned a B.S. from Florida State University, and worked in the banking, finance, and insurance industries. He lives in Naples, Florida, with his wife, Erika, and their three sons.
SourcesShowHide
donalds.house.goven.wikipedia.orgbyrondonalds.comes.wikipedia.orgapnews.comnypost.comjustfacts.votesmart.orgbuchanan.house.govflvoicenews.comfloridapolitics.comaol.comontheissues.orgcongress.govbusinessinsider.compolitifact.comyahoo.comfloridadaily.comtampabay.comafpaction.comtallahassee.comgulfcoastnewsnow.comaxios.comcbsnews.compolitico.comfloridaphoenix.commiamiherald.comssrnews.comcourthousenews.comthenationaldesk.comfox13news.comclerk.house.govhistory.house.govoversight.house.govfr.wikipedia.orgwikidata.orgfec.govpt.wikipedia.orgde.wikipedia.org
Political Positions
LiberalConservative
Economy & Taxes
Advocates substantial tax reductions and a simplified, flatter tax code (including support for a Fair Tax), opposes tax increases on high earners, and has proposed lowering corporate and individual tax rates while supporting reductions or elimination of certain taxes (for example, advocating abolishing property taxes in Florida).
Healthcare
Opposes government-run single‑payer programs and calls for repeal of the Affordable Care Act, favoring market-based reforms such as allowing purchase of insurance across state lines and reducing federal mandates. Has voted against legislation to lower prescription drug costs and criticized expansion of ACA subsidies.
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Immigration & Border
Advocates strict enforcement-first immigration policies that prioritize securing the southern border, deporting undocumented immigrants convicted of crimes, and restricting legal immigration pathways (including seeking curbs on certain visa programs). Has sponsored and supported legislation to strengthen tracking/detention and increase DHS/ICE accountability and has opposed mass amnesty or carve-outs for undocumented workers.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Byron Donalds identifies as pro-life and supports protecting unborn children without exception. He has voted for born-alive protection legislation and voted against measures to expand federal abortion access. He has received high ratings from pro-life organizations and low ratings from pro-choice groups.
Climate & Energy
Supports an "all-of-the-above" energy approach focused on U.S. energy independence, strong federal support for expanded nuclear power, and removing regulatory barriers to domestic energy production; emphasizes protecting waterways locally while opposing what he calls ‘‘radical’’ climate policies and ESG-driven mandates.
Public Safety & Guns
Byron Donalds describes himself as a strong defender of the Second Amendment, opposes red-flag (risk-protection order) laws and voted against post-Parkland measures that raised the purchase age and created risk orders; he has said he would seek to repeal Florida’s red-flag law and supports expanding open carry.
Latest News
AINews Summary
Last updatedAug 2, 2026
Byron Donalds is the clear frontrunner in Florida’s Republican governor primary, boosted by President Trump’s endorsement and strong campaign spending. Recent reports say he is leading polls ahead of the August 18 vote and is likely to win the nomination, though rivals are attacking his record and Trump’s backing could be a liability in the general election. Donalds has also challenged likely Democratic nominee David Jolly to debates. Separately, he has been accused in a civil assault lawsuit tied to a 2022 confrontation, which he is facing as the race intensifies.
donalds.house.gov+37
Articles
TTCPalm6 days ago
Donalds wraps himself in Trump endorsement on way to Aug. 18 primary
Positive
NDNaples Daily News16 days ago
Byron Donalds calls for 3 Florida debates with David Jolly
Positive
RSRaw Story29 days ago
Byron Donalds accused of threatening to 'crush' Florida mom in grocery store spat: report
Negative
TDTallahassee Democrat1 month ago
Florida U.S. House members retiring are over age of 70
Positive
Latest Polls
Recent polling results and the candidate's current average in the race.
Byron Donalds currently averages 37.6%, ranking first in this race, 11.5 points ahead of the nearest opponent.
Polling average: 37.6%Position: firstMargin: +11.5 ptsLatest poll: 46.0% (Jul 28 - 29)Polls included: 49
Average recalculated from polls through Jul 28 - 29.
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
Endorsements
Florida Republican Governor nominee?
Endorsers of Byron Donalds for Florida Republican Governor nominee?
Ben Albritton
Public figure
Ben Albritton backed Byron Donalds for the Republican gubernatorial nomination.
Florida Chamber of Commerce
Elected official
The Florida Chamber of Commerce formally endorsed Byron Donalds for governor.
Florida Farm Bureau
Elected official
The Florida Farm Bureau endorsed Byron Donalds for governor.
Nine Florida state senators
Elected official
Nine Florida state senators endorsed Byron Donalds for governor.
Turning Point Action
Elected official
Turning Point Action endorsed Byron Donalds in the Florida governor's race.
Florida House members
Elected official
Sixty-three Florida House members endorsed Byron Donalds for governor.
15 Florida sheriffs
Elected official
Fifteen Florida sheriffs endorsed Byron Donalds for governor.
Donald Trump Jr.
Elected official
Donald Trump Jr. endorsed Byron Donalds for Florida governor.
Campaign Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 2026Campaign finance totals from the latest available reporting period.
Total raisedCash on hand
$6.6M
$5.0M
$3.3M
$1.7M
$0
2024
2026
LatestYear
Total raised
Cash on hand
Total spent
Burn rate
Cycle 2024
$6.6M
$1.7M
$5.6M
$233.3K
Cycle 2026
$738.1K
$334.5K
$2.1M
$119.1K
Source: FEC