Florida Republicans Give Byron Donalds a Clear Edge Over Casey DeSantis in Hypothetical Governor’s Race

The Race for Florida’s Governorship: A Battle of Endorsements and Name Recognition

Florida’s political landscape is heating up as the 2026 gubernatorial race approaches, with a recent poll revealing a significant shift in voter preferences following former President Donald Trump’s endorsement of Congressman Byron Donalds. The poll, conducted by Fabrizio Lee & Associates, shows that when informed of Trump’sendorsement, Florida Republicans overwhelmingly favor Donalds over Casey DeSantis, the state’s first lady and wife of Governor Ron DeSantis. This comes amid speculation that Casey DeSantis may run to succeed her husband, who is term-limited and cannot seek re-election. While Casey DeSantis has yet to announce her candidacy, the poll paints a clear picture of how Trump’s influence continues to shape Republican primaries in Florida.

Why It Matters: The DeSantis Dynasty and Trump’s Endorsement

The race for Florida’s governorship is more than just a local election—it’s a microcosm of the broader struggle for control within the Republican Party. Ron DeSantis, a rising star in the GOP, saw his relationship with Trump deteriorate after he challenged the former president in the 2024 Republican primary. Despite this, DeSantis remains a popular figure in Florida, and his wife, Casey, has built a reputation as a strong conservative voice in her own right. However, Trump’s early endorsement of Byron Donalds has given the congressman a significant advantage, particularly among Republican voters who still hold the former president in high esteem. The poll suggests that Trump’s endorsement is a powerful tool in shaping voter sentiment, even in a state as politically charged as Florida.

What the Polls Say: Donalds Surges Ahead with Trump’s Backing

The internal poll, conducted among likely Florida GOP primary voters in late February, reveals a dramatic shift in support when voters are informed of Trump’s endorsement. In a hypothetical head-to-head race between Donalds and Casey DeSantis, Donalds leads by 34% to 30% without the endorsement. However, when voters are told that Trump has endorsed Donalds, his lead expands to a commanding 45% to 23%. Even when voters are informed that Ron DeSantis has endorsed his wife, Donalds maintains a 38% to 28% advantage. These numbers suggest that Trump’s endorsement is a game-changer in the race, potentially making Donalds the front-runner in a crowded field.

Key Players: Donalds, DeSantis, and the Power of Endorsements

Byron Donalds, a relatively new face in Florida politics, has gained significant traction thanks to Trump’s endorsement. The former president praised Donalds as a “truly Great and Powerful Governor for Florida” in a post on Truth Social, a social media platform popular among conservatives. Donalds officially announced his candidacy just days after Trump’s endorsement, signaling that he is ready to capitalize on the former president’s support. On the other hand, Casey DeSantis, while yet to announce her candidacy, enjoys strong name recognition and the backing of her husband’s administration. However, the poll shows that even Ron DeSantis’s endorsement of his wife may not be enough to overcome the momentum generated by Trump’s support for Donalds.

What People Are Saying: Reactions to the Poll and the Race

Tony Fabrizio, the pollster behind the survey and a longtime associate of Trump, weighed in on the results, comparing the DeSantis family’s potential bid for the governor’s mansion to their failed attempt to challenge Trump in the 2024 Republican primary. Fabrizio suggested that Casey DeSantis would suffer a similar fate if she runs, calling it a “fool’s errand” and questioning whether the DeSantises would again “betray President Trump” by running against his endorsed candidate. Meanwhile, Ron DeSantis has remained coy about his wife’s political ambitions, though he has praised her as a capable leader who would excel in the role of governor. For now, the focus remains on Byron Donalds, who is positioning himself as the Trump-backed candidate in a state where the former president’s influence remains significant.

What Happens Next: The Road to the 2026 Primary

The Florida gubernatorial primary is still over a year away, scheduled for August 18, 2026. While Byron Donalds is currently the only major candidate to officially announce his candidacy, speculation continues to swirl around Casey DeSantis’s potential bid. For now, Donalds is leveraging Trump’s endorsement to build momentum and consolidate support within the Republican base. Should Casey DeSantis decide to run, the race will likely become a high-profile showdown between two well-known conservatives, with Trump’s endorsement hanging over the contest. As the race unfolds, all eyes will be on Florida, where the intersection of political power, personal ambition, and endorsements will shape the future of the state’s leadership.