Florida News

Florida GOP gubernatorial candidates blast party’s decision to not hold debate

Party officials say that only Byron Donalds of Naples has met the established criteria to qualify

by Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix June 15, 2026June 15, 2026

The Republican Party of Florida confirmed Friday that there will be no “full” gubernatorial debate later this month.

Florida News

Florida Republicans James Fishback, Byron Donalds and Paul Renner qualify for governor race

The three were among those who paid the $8,480 fee Tuesday to qualify for the race

by News Service of Florida June 9, 2026June 9, 2026

Florida News

MAGA Republican Byron Donalds met by protesters at Orlando campaign stop

About a dozen people organized with Orlando 50501 protested across the street from the GOP frontrunner’s campaign event in Orlando Wednesday morning.

by McKenna Schueler May 6, 2026May 6, 2026

Florida News

Most major Florida gubernatorial candidates say state should never legalize recreational marijuana

Democrat David Jolly is one exception. He says the fact that a majority of Floridians voted to legalize cannabis in 2024 is why he supports making it legal.

by Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix May 6, 2026May 6, 2026

Florida News

Paul Renner wants ‘permanent’ ban on Muslim immigration if elected governor

“Long-term compatibility of Islam in this country does not exist,” Renner said

by Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix March 25, 2026March 25, 2026

News

Florida GOP voters say a DeSantis endorsement for governor means more than Trump’s

DeSantis has not endorsed any candidate to succeed him as governor so far

by Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix February 24, 2026February 24, 2026

News

‘Next question’: Donalds brushes off rival Republicans, talks Minneapolis

‘My rivals would all love to be in my position, and they’re not,’ the Trump-endorsed Republican said

by Liv Caputo, Florida Phoenix January 29, 2026January 29, 2026

News

Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins joins race for governor

The announcement Monday comes after months of speculation he would join the race

by Jim Turner, News Service of Florida January 12, 2026January 12, 2026

News

Latest 2026 GOP gubernatorial poll shows Byron Donalds on top

When voters are informed that Donalds has already been endorsed by President Donald Trump, his lead swells to 58 points

by Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix January 9, 2026January 9, 2026

News

Byron Donalds campaign says it’s raised more than $40M in race for governor

There’s still more than 10 months until Floridians elect a successor to DeSantis

by Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix December 19, 2025December 19, 2025

News

‘Florida needs a change’: Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings kicks off campaign for governor

Demings formally announced his bid for governor, setting up a Democratic primary fight next year against former Congressman David Jolly

by Jim Turner, News Service of Florida November 7, 2025November 7, 2025

News

Florida Republicans lead Democrats in top 2026 races by double digits, survey says

The survey includes First Lady Casey DeSantis, who polls slightly better vs. Democrats than Byron Donalds

by Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix October 28, 2025October 28, 2025

News

DeSantis against Paul Renner’s ‘ill-advised’ run for governor

Renner will face the only other high-profile Republican in the race, Donald Trump-endorsed U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds

by Liv Caputo, Florida Phoenix September 4, 2025September 4, 2025

News

Sen. Jay Collins, a potential candidate, says Florida governor’s race needs ‘competition’

Will Byron Donalds get a serious GOP challenger in his bid to become the next governor of Florida?

by Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix August 5, 2025August 14, 2025

News

New poll shows Casey DeSantis and Byron Donalds in statistical tie for GOP race for governor

Casey DeSantis has refused to say whether she’ll run for governor

by Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix July 25, 2025August 1, 2025

News

Trump-approved Rep. Byron Donalds leads all Florida Republicans in 2026 governor’s race poll

No serious contender has emerged as of yet

by Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix July 15, 2025August 21, 2025

News

Casey DeSantis remains open about potential run for Florida governor

The First Lady’s comments bolster the notion that the governor is seeking a candidate he can fully back next year to maintain his legacy

by Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix May 15, 2025June 30, 2025

News

‘A lot of possibilities’: DeSantis on whether First Lady will run for Florida governor

U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, who has been endorsed by President Donald Trump, entered the Republican primary earlier this week

by Jay Waagmeester, Florida Phoenix February 27, 2025July 2, 2025

News

Byron Donalds announces his candidacy for Florida governor

Donald’s gubernatorial bid has been endorsed by President Donald Trump

by Christine Sexton, Florida Phoenix February 26, 2025March 15, 2025