Rep. Byron Donalds maintained a dominant position in Florida's Republican gubernatorial primary, securing 54% support among 420 likely primary voters surveyed April 26-30 by Fabrizio, Lee & Associates. The poll, which carries a margin of error of plus or minus 4.8 percentage points, showed Donalds leading investor, James Fishback, by 45 points at 9%, Lt. Gov. Jay Collins by 47 points at 7%, and former House Speaker Paul Renner by 52 points at 2%. Undecided voters stood at 28%.

Donalds improved by 9 percentage points from the firm's January survey, while Fishback gained 5 points, Collins added 1 point, and Renner dropped 1 point. The poll memo attributed Donalds' gains to undecided voters moving toward him more than any other candidate and heightened awareness of his endorsement by President Donald Trump.

"Undecideds have moved toward Byron Donalds at a greater rate than any other Republican candidate since January," the memo stated. "Despite their constant lies and attacks, Fishback and Collins are not gaining any real traction, and Byron Donalds is clearly the overwhelming favorite to be the GOP nominee in this year's election for Governor."

Ryan Smith, chair of Friends of Byron Donalds, said the results confirmed grassroots support. "Polling continues to confirm what we've seen from day one on the ground: Floridians are choosing Byron Donalds because he is the Trump-endorsed America First conservative who will lower costs, fight illegal immigration, and take the fight directly to the Radical Democrats in November."

The Naples congressman, who represents Florida's 19th Congressional District, launched his campaign last year with backing from Trump, Donald Trump Jr., Elon Musk, Sen. Rick Scott, and a majority of Florida's Republican congressional delegation. His campaign and allied committee raised more than $67 million overall, including a record $22 million for a non-incumbent candidate in the first quarter of 2026 alone.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is term-limited, leaving an open seat in the August 18 primary and November 3 general election. A record 44 candidates have qualified for the race. Other recent surveys showed similar dominance for Donalds. An Emerson College Polling survey in early April found him at 46% in the GOP field. A Stetson University poll last week had him leading decided voters by more than 30 points.

The poll also tested general election matchups, where Donalds led potential Democratic nominees, including former Rep. David Jolly and Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings. Pollster Neil Fabrizio noted Donalds' majority support makes it "incredibly difficult for any challenger to catch up."