Representative Byron Donalds has won the Republican nomination for Florida governor, defeating businessman James Fishback in a primary characterized by intense personal insults and confrontational tactics.
Fishback, a first-time candidate, was unable to gain significant traction, finishing behind Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins, who secured the runner-up position. Donalds now advances to face Democrat David Jolly, a former Republican congressman who switched parties, in the general election.
The campaign was notably contentious, with Fishback making Donalds a central target. Fishback accused Donalds of being a pawn of the Republican establishment and questioned his conservative credentials. He also employed inflammatory language, referring to Donalds as a "slave" to donors, using the nickname "By'rone," and accusing him of wanting to transform Florida into a "Section 8 ghetto."
Donalds dismissed Fishback's attacks as "performative slop" and a "con man" tactic, contrasting Fishback's aggressive online persona with his behavior in private. Fishback continued to escalate, challenging Donalds on his support from outside groups and pro-Israel organizations, at one point calling him "AIPAC Shakur."
Fishback also attempted to confront Donalds at public events, including an incident at Florida Gulf Coast University where security prevented him from entering. Fishback portrayed these confrontations as evidence that Donalds was unwilling to engage directly. Another clash occurred at a Republican gathering in Collier County, involving Fishback's campaign workers and local party officials.
Donalds largely avoided direct engagement with Fishback's provocations, instead focusing on his policy agenda and emphasizing his endorsements. His campaign cited his strong polling numbers, fundraising success, and President Donald Trump's endorsement as reasons to bypass debates and campaign events where Fishback sought to amplify his attacks.
President Trump offered Donalds his "complete and total endorsement" in February 2025, calling him a "TRULY GREAT and POWERFUL Governor for Florida." Donalds also received backing from other prominent Republicans, including Donald Trump Jr., House Speaker Mike Johnson, Governor Jeff Landry of Louisiana, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders of Arkansas, Senator Rick Scott, and Senator Ted Cruz. Notable absences from the endorsement list included Governor Ron DeSantis, reportedly due to past political friction.
The financial disparity between the candidates was significant. Donalds and his affiliated political operation had raised approximately $45 million entering 2026, with total fundraising exceeding $100 million by primary day. This substantial funding allowed Donalds to invest heavily in advertising and build a broad statewide organization. In contrast, Fishback struggled to gain financial footing.
If successful in the November general election, Donalds would become Florida's first Black governor. He has focused his campaign on issues such as affordability, property insurance, healthcare, immigration, taxes, education, and public safety.