Byron Donalds continues to hold a commanding advantage in Republican polling and fundraising as the August 18 primary approaches. A Tyson Group survey released this week placed Donalds at 48 percent, followed by Lt. Gov.
Jay Collins at 9 percent, businessman James Fishback at 8 percent and former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner at 4 percent. About 26 percent of respondents remained undecided. Donalds also holds a major financial advantage, with his campaign announcing more than $90 million raised across his campaign operation.
President Donald Trump has endorsed Donalds, while Gov. Ron DeSantis, who appointed Collins lieutenant governor in August 2025, has remained publicly neutral in the primary.
Collins used a Thursday campaign call to position himself as the strongest Republican alternative to Donalds, despite trailing in polling, money and endorsements. Collins defended his support for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and law enforcement, rejected claims of tension between his campaign and staff inside the governor's office and urged Renner to leave the race.
Fishback is facing pressure on two fronts. The Front Line, a Republican group aligned with U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, announced a $400,000 campaign targeting Fishback over statements the group characterizes as antisemitic.
Collins is also challenging whether Fishback meets Florida's seven-year residency requirement for governors. A two-day hearing is scheduled to begin July 21 in Tallahassee.