Florida Governor’s Race Heats Up Despite Early Favorites

By Sam Barron | Monday, 01 December 2025

Despite an endorsement from President Donald Trump, Rep. Byron Donalds is facing growing competition in his campaign for Florida governor next year.

Donalds holds a commanding lead in polls but has yet to secure the crucial support of Gov. Ron DeSantis or his handpicked lieutenant governor, Jay Collins, who announced he was entering the race last month.

The dynamics of the race have shifted significantly since Fishback launched his bid earlier this month. While Donalds maintains that Floridians desire someone to build on DeSantis’ record, analysts suggest Collins could be waiting for the governor’s approval before officially committing, adding another layer of uncertainty.

Paul Renner, former speaker of the Florida House, also announced a run, complicating the field further despite DeSantis’ public discouragement. This development highlights potential divisions within the party structure ahead of the primary season.

As the race continues to evolve, these developments signal an increasingly competitive contest for the Republican nomination in Florida.