Poll Shows Rep. Byron Donalds Leads as Top Republican for Florida Governor, Jolly Trails
A recent Victory Insights poll reveals that U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds holds a significant lead over former Congressman David Jolly in their early race for Florida Governor. Conducted from June 7-10, immediately following Jolly’s campaign announcement, the survey finds nearly 37% of voters favoring Donalds, compared to just over 31% for Jolly, who represents a Democratic shift after previously serving as a Republican.
However, a substantial 32% of respondents remain undecided, indicating potential growth for both candidates as they seek to enhance their name recognition. Senior pollster Ben Galbraith notes that while it’s early in the campaign for the 2026 election, the data suggests a Republican edge in Florida’s evolving political landscape.
Jolly, who has criticized Trump and now runs as a Democrat, may appeal to some Republicans. Yet, lessons from the past show that a former Republican nominee, like Charlie Crist in 2022, failed to win despite initial optimism. The poll highlights a clear difference in name recognition, as neither Donalds nor Jolly approaches the recognition of the incumbent Governor, Ron DeSantis, or President Biden.
While 24.5% of voters view Donalds positively and 19% negatively, Jolly garners only a 15% positive rating. Notably, an overwhelming 51% have no opinion about Donalds, while 58% feel the same about Jolly, in stark contrast to Trump and DeSantis, who have minimal “no opinion” responses.
MAGA Republicans show strong support for Donalds, averaging a score of 4.48, while Jolly struggles to gain traction, especially among Republican voters. With Trump’s endorsement boosting Donalds further, the path looks challenging for Jolly in the upcoming race. As both candidates continue to define their campaigns, the political dynamics in Florida remain intriguing.
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