Byron Donalds (R) defeated 10 other candidates in the Republican primary for governor of Florida on Aug. 18, 2026. Donalds, Jay Collins (R), James Fishback (R), and Paul Renner (R) led in local media attention. Incumbent Ron DeSantis (R) was term-limited.
Below is a background on each candidate. To read more about how Ballotpedia defines noteworthy candidates, click here.
- Donalds was a member of the U.S. House representing Florida's 19th Congressional District . He was first elected in 2020. Previously, he served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2016 to 2020. His career experience included working in finance, banking, and insurance. Donalds' campaign highlighted his endorsement from President Donald Trump (R). His website also said he would work to enact Trump's agenda and that he was "a staunch advocate for the Second Amendment, School Choice, Fiscal Sanity, Secure Borders, Law and Order, and a Limited Federal Government."
- Collins was the Lieutenant Governor of Florida. Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) appointed Collins as Lieutenant Governor to replace Jeanette Nunez (R) in 2025. Previously, Collins served in the Florida Senate from 2022 to 2025. Collins' other experience included serving in the U.S. Army Special Forces and working at the nonprofit Operation BBQ Relief. Collins campaigned on his military service and relationship with DeSantis. His campaign website said, "He led Americans into combat, lost his leg, and re-qualified as a Green Beret. Now Jay Collins is running for Governor to protect the DeSantis legacy and keep Florida free, safe, and prosperous."
- Fishback was the founder of the investment firm Azoria and the nonprofit Incubate Debate. His other experience included working as a consultant for the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) during the second Trump administration. Fishback's campaign website said, "I’m running for Governor because I fear we are losing the state we love. Farmland is disappearing. Data centers are being forced on our communities. And inflation is making it too expensive to live, work, or retire here. I am fighting to make life in Florida a little easier and a lot more affordable."
- Renner was a member of the Florida House of Representatives from 2015 to 2024. From 2022 to 2024, he was speaker of the House. His other experience included serving in the U.S. Navy and working as a prosecutor and business attorney. Renner ran on his record in the state legislature. His campaign website said, "As Speaker of the House, I had the honor to stand with Ron DeSantis to create the Free State of Florida brand. I’m running for Governor to defend our victories and solve the challenges that remain."
