Florida 2026 Gubernatorial Race: Donalds Leads GOP Field
Analysis of key candidates including Byron Donalds, Jay Collins, and Paul Renner ahead of the August primary election.
The 2026 Florida gubernatorial election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, following a primary election on August 18. Incumbent Governor Ron DeSantis is ineligible to seek re-election to a third consecutive term, prompting a competitive field of candidates vying to replace him. The race features significant attention on key issues such as property taxes, the home insurance crisis, and education policy. Florida has not elected a Democratic governor since 1994 nor voted for a Democrat in presidential elections since 2012.
Republican Frontrunner Byron Donalds
U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds is currently the frontrunner for the Republican nomination representing Florida’s 19th district. At age 47, Donalds has raised approximately $90 million for his campaign. His platform includes installing individualized plan systems for students in sixth grade and mapping their progress toward careers. On property taxes, he favors elimination but acknowledges revenue shortfalls for smaller counties. He also supports stabilizing the home insurance market through a "scorecard" system to compare companies, more details at The Hill.
Other Key Republican Contenders
Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins, age 50, is likely competing for second place in the primary. A former U.S. Army Green Beret medic who served in Afghanistan and Iraq, Collins has raised about $6 million. He supports expanding school choice and lowering insurance costs while holding companies accountable. State University System Board of Governors member Paul Renner, age 47, has raised approximately $5.5 million. Renner favors an immediate rollback in property taxes for homestead properties and a statewide freeze on tax rates, a story we covered in Byron Donalds Leads Florida GOP Primary Race.
Democratic Nomination and Independent Field
The Democratic nomination is likely to be secured by former Congressman David Jolly, who switched parties from Republican to Democrat. The general election field includes 11 Republicans, six Democrats, six independent candidates, five write-ins, and one Libertarian Party member. Florida operates a closed primary system, meaning only registered party members may vote in primaries; independents cannot participate, a story we covered in Byron Donalds Leads Florida GOP Primary Race.
Historical Context and Election Timeline
The last Democratic governor elected was Lawton Chiles, whose second term ended in 1998. Since then, all governors have been Republicans. The primary election on August 18 will determine the nominees for the general showdown on November 3. With over two dozen candidates qualified to replace DeSantis, the race highlights a diverse array of backgrounds and policy priorities across the state.
