Donalds Leads Jolly in 2026 Florida Governor Race as Voters Stay Undecided

Madison, Florida, USA - A new poll indicates that the race for the 2026 Florida gubernatorial seat is already heating up, with Republican Representative Byron Donalds holding a notable lead over former Representative David Jolly, now running as a Democrat. According to Newsweek, approximately one-third of voters remain undecided, offering both candidates fertile ground to increase their visibility.

Currently, Donalds boasts a 36.7% support rate, while Jolly trails at 31.4%. The robust polling data comes from Victory Insights, which surveyed 600 likely voters between June 7 and June 10 of this year. Jolly, who recently made the switch from Republican to Democrat, seems optimistic about his chances, stating he feels „very good“ about the race, despite the numbers suggesting a challenge ahead.

Shifting Political Landscape

The political ambiance in Florida has notably shifted towards the Republican side over the past decade. In the last presidential election, Trump won Florida by an impressive double-digit margin. As Florida Politics highlights, Donalds‘ campaign, which commenced in March, focuses largely on the continuity of current Republican leadership, particularly that of outgoing Governor Ron DeSantis.

Interestingly, Jolly’s history as a former Republican and his recent criticism of Trump could be playing a dual role—alienating some voters while perhaps attracting a new demographic seeking change. “Voters want more of the same,” Donalds contended, assuring his supporters that Florida is steadfast in its conservative preferences.

A Battle of Perceptions

Public perceptions of both candidates tell a more complex story. As per the findings, while 24.5% of voters have a positive view of Donalds, he still faces some opposition, with nearly 19% holding a negative opinion of him. Jolly, on the other hand, has even less favorable ratings, with just over 15% of voters viewing him positively and a significant 58% lacking any opinion on him at all.

The political winds may shift as both candidates vie for voter recognition. Senior pollster Ben Galbraith noted that the campaign cycle is still in its early stages, leaving room for both Donalds and Jolly to expand their names throughout the state. Notably, Donalds’ endorsement from Trump could bolster his campaign and complicate the dynamics for Jolly and any potential challengers.

Looking Ahead

The upcoming primary election is slated for August 18, 2026, with the general election following on November 3, 2026. Despite his current lead, Donalds acknowledges the increasing competition that could arise prior to election day. Jolly’s hope for a „blue wave“ reminiscent of 2018 indicates that Democrats are eager to make Florida a battleground again, especially after Democrat Charlie Crist’s unsuccessful bid in 2022.

In addition to these two frontrunners, potential challengers within the Republican ranks include State Senator Jay Collins and Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, as well as First Lady Casey DeSantis, who has yet to announce her intentions. The race is sure to evolve in the coming months, with independent candidate state Senator Jason Pizzo also aiming for a slice of the electorate’s support.

In conclusion, while Donalds currently appears to have the upper hand, the dynamics of this race are bound to change in the coming days. As highlighted by WFLX, the next 500 days will be crucial, especially considering the influence of Trump and the shifting tides of public opinion. Only time will tell how this story unfolds in the sunshine state.