Polling Average
40%30%20%10%0%
35.2%
26.2%
11.0%
5.5%
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$3.3M
AUG 19, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Current roleGovernor
PartyRepublican
Political ideologyTrump-aligned Republican
Age47 years old (Oct 28, 1978)
GenderMale
LocationFlorida
BackgroundPolitician
EducationFlorida A&M University
Notable personal detailsByron Lowell Donalds (born October 28, 1978) is a Republican politician serving as the U.S. representative for Florida's 19th congressional district (in office since January 3, 2021). He previously served in the Florida House of Representatives (2016–2020). Donalds attended Florida A&M University and earned a B.S. from Florida State University, and worked in the banking, finance, and insurance industries. He lives in Naples, Florida, with his wife, Erika, and their three sons.
Advocates substantial tax reductions and a simplified, flatter tax code (including support for a Fair Tax), opposes tax increases on high earners, and has proposed lowering corporate and individual tax rates while supporting reductions or elimination of certain taxes (for example, advocating abolishing property taxes in Florida).
Opposes government-run single‑payer programs and calls for repeal of the Affordable Care Act, favoring market-based reforms such as allowing purchase of insurance across state lines and reducing federal mandates. Has voted against legislation to lower prescription drug costs and criticized expansion of ACA subsidies.
Advocates strict enforcement-first immigration policies that prioritize securing the southern border, deporting undocumented immigrants convicted of crimes, and restricting legal immigration pathways (including seeking curbs on certain visa programs). Has sponsored and supported legislation to strengthen tracking/detention and increase DHS/ICE accountability and has opposed mass amnesty or carve-outs for undocumented workers.
Byron Donalds identifies as pro-life and supports protecting unborn children without exception. He has voted for born-alive protection legislation and voted against measures to expand federal abortion access. He has received high ratings from pro-life organizations and low ratings from pro-choice groups.
Supports an "all-of-the-above" energy approach focused on U.S. energy independence, strong federal support for expanded nuclear power, and removing regulatory barriers to domestic energy production; emphasizes protecting waterways locally while opposing what he calls ‘‘radical’’ climate policies and ESG-driven mandates.
Byron Donalds describes himself as a strong defender of the Second Amendment, opposes red-flag (risk-protection order) laws and voted against post-Parkland measures that raised the purchase age and created risk orders; he has said he would seek to repeal Florida’s red-flag law and supports expanding open carry.
Byron Donalds is in the spotlight as a leading Republican contender for Florida governor, with multiple polls showing him ahead statewide in a competitive matchup against Democrat David Jolly, though one Palm Beach County poll has Jolly leading locally. His standing in the GOP primary has been boosted by Donald Trump’s endorsement, which polling suggests sharply increases Donalds’ support versus rivals like Casey DeSantis. In Congress, Donalds also drew attention by saying he would vote to expel Reps. Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales amid separate misconduct allegations.
Endorsers of Byron Donalds for Florida Republican Governor nominee?
Elected official
Vern Buchanan endorsed Byron Donalds for governor of Florida.
2024
2026
LatestCycle 2024
Cycle 2026