In a series of polling data released this week by the James Madison Institute (JMI), today’s article is about how the 2026 Republican candidates for Florida governor stack up against each other.
When Casey DeSantis’ name was mentioned as a candidate in 2025, she topped all other candidates. However, her name was not included in this poll as she is not in the race.
The JMI poll was conducted among 1,200 registered voters in Florida. Among Republicans polled, Republican Rep. Byron Donald is leading the race, backed by President Trump’s support.
In the Republican primary (presumably Republican voters), 40% of voters said they were “undecided,” with Byron Donald at 33%, Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins at 15%, former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner at 9%, and James Fishbach at 3%.
According to JMI, President Trump’s influence is significant, and when Floridians were surveyed about which candidate the president was likely to support, only 29% believed the president supported Donald Trump, and 48% did not know.
In the same poll, 63% said the endorsement would make them more likely to support a candidate (36% very much, 27% somewhat), 28% said it would not affect them, and 4% said they would be less likely.
“This poll situation depicts Mr. Donald as the current front-runner, and once voters learn of the president’s approval, Mr. Trump’s support will receive a significant boost. The undecided segment has room to change the race, especially as the primaries approach,” the JMI poll said.
In the race for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, 31% of respondents said they would vote for former Rep. David Jolly, 23% said they would vote for Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, 2% said they would not vote, and 44% were undecided.
Among voters (those who are very likely or somewhat likely to participate) when asked about the general election, 41% said Mr. Donald, 36% said Mr. Jolie, 6% said independent Jason Pizzo, and 17% of voters were undecided/other, giving Mr. Donald a +5 lead.
