Byron Donalds wins Republican nomination for Florida governor

Donalds had the endorsement of President Donald Trump and was the heavy favorite to win the nomination.

By Ben Whedon

Published: August 18, 2026 8:05pm

Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., on Tuesday was projected to win the Republican nomination for Florida governor.

The Associated Press called the race for Donalds at 8 p.m. Eastern, at which time he led with 49% of the vote and 79% of the vote counted.

Donalds had the endorsement of President Donald Trump and was the heavy favorite to win the nomination. Despite Donalds holding a clear lead over his opponents throughout the campaign, the contest drew attention for both the high-profile candidates opposing him and the viral nature of outsider candidate James Fishback's campaign.

Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, R-Fla., and former state Speaker of the House Paul Renner both challenged Donalds for the nod, but it was Fishback, a 31-year-old right-wing provocateur, whose campaign sucked up much of the online attention.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent for Just the News. Follow him on X.