Donalds wins Republican primary for governor

Congressman Byron Donalds, whose district includes Cape Coral, 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.

In a statement issued by his campaign following his victory, Donalds said “I am grateful to my family, my team, my volunteers, and every Floridian who powered us to this victory.

Now is the time for the Republican Party to unite. By working together, we can make Florida more affordable and defend the Florida Dream for our families, seniors, and young people.

My Democrat opponent would raise taxes, make life more expensive, and bring the Democrats’ radical left agenda to the Sunshine State – Florida cannot afford liberal David Jolly.”

Donalds was not available to comment further or take questions as of press time.

In Lee County, Donalds won 65% of the Republican Party vote.

Donalds has served in Congress since being elected in 2020. He has received the backing of President Donald Trump and held a large fundraising edge over the competition.

Donalds earned the backing of many local Republicans though he was not supported by Governor Ron DeSantis. DeSantis was term-limited and can not serve more than two terms. Whoever wins the November election, will serve a four-year term in Tallahassee.

Jolly could not be reached for comment.

In a statement posted on social media following his primary victory, Jolly said “Byron Donalds doesn’t have answers on data centers, housing, healthcare, education, or affordability, so he wakes up every day calling me radical.”

On Wednesday, Jolly said “Byron Donalds will spend millions trying to divide us and break our trust in each other. We’re doing something different. We’re building a coalition of Democrats, independents, and Republicans around a simple idea: make the economy work for everyone, solve big problems, and keep government out of your life.” On Thursday, Jolly posted on X “The greatest threat to our country today is the rise of authoritarianism, not socialism.”

Donalds and Jolly have engaged in attacks against each other early, with Donalds proclaiming on X on Thursday that “David Jolly is a Trojan Horse for the socialists.”