The Florida gubernatorial race is heating up as Rep. Byron Donalds continues to dominate the polls, dismissing calls for debates with his rivals. With the primary election scheduled for August 18, 2026 Donalds remains confident in his campaign strategy, focusing on his substantial lead and extensive fundraising efforts.
Donalds, who has been endorsed by former President Donald Trump has consistently polled at around 50%, far ahead of his competitors. His campaign has raised over $90 million significantly outpacing his rivals. Despite criticism for not participating in debates, Donalds argues that his opponents are stuck in single digits and should focus on connecting with voters rather than engaging in political theatrics.
Donalds’ Dominance in the Polls
Donalds’ campaign has been marked by a strong showing in the polls, with his closest rivals trailing far behind. His endorsement by Trump has bolstered his support among MAGA voters giving him a significant advantage in the race. Donalds has maintained that his lead is a reflection of his strong campaign and the support he has garnered from voters across Florida.
His opponents, including Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collinsformer House Speaker Paul Renner and investor James Fishback have struggled to gain traction. Fishback, in particular, has made headlines with unconventional campaign tactics, such as using Tinder to reach young voters and proposing a controversial sin tax.
The Debate Controversy
The refusal of Donalds to participate in debates has sparked controversy among his rivals. Fishback has been particularly vocal, arguing that voters deserve to see the candidates face off. He has also claimed to have met voters in all 67 counties, a feat he says surpasses Donalds’ efforts. However, Donalds remains unfazed, dismissing Fishback’s actions as mere stunts aimed at gaining attention.
“I’m not going to play with stunts. I’m not going to engage in that stuff,” Donalds told Fox News Digital. He maintains that his campaign is focused on substantive issues and connecting with voters, rather than engaging in political theatrics.
Controversies and Challenges
While Donalds enjoys a comfortable lead, his rivals are not without their own challenges. Collins has faced allegations of clashes with Gov. Ron DeSantis‘ team, including accusations of making threatening remarks. Collins has denied these allegations, calling them “factless, baseless claims.” He has also faced criticism for an immigration arrest that went wrong, resulting in a suspect being hit by a tractor-trailer.
The Florida gubernatorial race is not just about the candidates but also about the broader political landscape. The state has been criticized for renaming Palm Beach International Airport after Trump and for gerrymandering congressional districts. Additionally, concerns about the state’s high unemployment rate have added to the political discourse.
As the race continues, Donalds remains focused on his campaign, confident in his lead and the support he has garnered. His rivals, meanwhile, are working to gain traction and challenge his dominance. With the primary election just around the corner, the Florida gubernatorial race is sure to be a closely watched contest.