Donalds wins Republican primary for governor

Congressman Byron Donalds, whose district includes Fort Myers Beach, most of Lee County and Collier County, won the Republican primary for governor on Tuesday with 47.79% of the vote in an 11-way field. Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins was the runner-up with 25% of the vote. Donalds will face former Republican Congressman David Jolly in the general election. Jolly, of Pinellas County, won the Democratic primary with 61% of the vote.

Donalds, of Naples, defeated a Republican field that also included former Florida Speaker of the House Paul Renner, and outsider candidate James Fishback. Fishback was controversial for statements which many considered to be racist rhetoric. Renner received 8% of the vote and Fishback received 10% of the Republican primary field.

Donalds has served in Congress since being elected in 2020. Donalds enjoyed a major fundraising edge in the campaign. He has received the backing of President Donald Trump, and voted against certifying the presidential election results from Arizona and Pennsylvania in 2022 after Joe Biden won those states and Trump disputed them.