Governor and Lieutenant Governor

Some forecasters are shifting toward David Jolly, though the race is still rated lean-Republican. Byron Donalds, who would be the first Black Republican elected governor, faces skepticism from FAMU students and rural North Florida voters.

Jolly and Jose Javier Rodriguez draw more state matching dollars than Donalds and Uthmeier, reflecting small-dollar donors. Donalds has raised more in his campaign account, and his allied PAC far more overall.

Profiles the five other Democrats in the governor primary, including Rep. Dotie Joseph: why they run, what they think of Jolly, and mostly critical views of the Amendment 3 property tax measure.

Photos of Jolly and running mate Gwen Graham greeting supporters in Tampa, with notes on the Democratic field and the fundraising gap (about $6 million for Jolly versus over $82 million for Donalds).

Republican governor candidate James Fishback held a Clearwater Beach event relabeling teen takeovers 'Black Teen Riots' and said he would bring AR-15s to the next one; the article says no evidence backs his racial framing.

The Florida GOP sued to stop Tampa Bay TV stations airing a Democratic ad on the Hope Florida grand jury findings, calling the erased report contraband. Jolly, Rodriguez and Taddeo approved the ad.

Asked by a homebuilder about ICE job-site raids and worker shortages, Donalds said a governor must comply with federal immigration law. A Brennan Center lawyer says no federal law requires states to cooperate.

Jolly says about 10 percent of Black voters are undecided and could decide the governor's race; he also courts disaffected Republicans. An NBC 6 poll shows Black voters favoring him 76 to 10 over Donalds.

Sen. Rick Scott campaigned with Donalds in Largo as two new polls diverged: one showed a statistical tie with Jolly, the other a seven-point Donalds lead.

Donalds calls solar a fad; Jolly says it belongs in Florida's future and backs incentives or soft mandates. The article cites 33 percent national utility-solar growth since 2025 and Florida utilities planning more.

A UNF poll finds most Florida homeowners see no insurance improvement and worry more about it than property taxes. Donalds calls Jolly's plan a $1,000 hurricane tax; the study he cites examined another plan.

Asked repeatedly at Tampa Tiger Bay whether the Donalds ticket disagrees with Trump, including on deportations, running mate Bryan Avila mostly avoided a direct answer, citing only disagreement with the Federal Reserve.

Jolly, after visiting data-center-heavy Northern Virginia, says a full statewide ban should be considered; he has already promised a one-year moratorium if elected.

Donalds calls Jolly's insurance plan a $1,000 hurricane tax; Jolly calls that false. The article says the FSU study Donalds cites examined a different proposal. Jolly would move wind coverage to a state fund.

Donalds once welcomed data centers but has softened as public opposition grows; Jolly pledges a statewide moratorium and uses the issue against Donalds's donations from the industry.

A group called Republicans for Jolly launched in St. Petersburg, citing tariffs, the Iran war and one-party rule in Tallahassee as reasons to cross party lines for Jolly.

Donalds says Jolly runs a hidden campaign; Jolly says Donalds backed out of a Tampa Tiger Bay face-off, which the Donalds camp says was never confirmed.

Jolly calls the Hope Florida transfer money laundering, says Casey DeSantis was used, and promises an investigation if elected, accusing Donalds of cowardice for not committing to one.

Donalds picked state Sen. Bryan Avila as running mate. Donalds says Avila sponsored or co-sponsored the Stop WOKE Act; he also sponsored data-center rules and the measure putting the property-tax amendment on the ballot.

Donalds won the GOP nod 48% to 25% over Jay Collins but lost 14 North Florida counties to him. Analysts suggest Collins' military record and Donalds' arrest record helped; one says the cause is unknown.

Donalds (48%) and Jolly (61%) won their primaries. Trump endorsed Donalds; DeSantis backed no one. Donalds calls Jolly a liberal, while Jolly, a former Republican, has defended keeping Florida's school voucher program.

Jolly, outspent by Donalds about 10 to 1, told an Ybor City rally the night before the primary he can still win, and has said he must repeat Sen. Brian Nathan's winning formula.

Before the primary, Donalds had Trump's endorsement, business-group backing and over $111 million raised, dwarfing rivals; DeSantis stayed neutral. Jolly had raised about $10 million, so Donalds enters November with a large money edge.

Jolly, the leading Democrat for governor, chose former congresswoman Gwen Graham as his running mate. Republicans hold a large registration edge, and Donalds has far out-raised him; rival Demings had exited the race.

Recreational marijuana isn't on this year's ballot. Jolly said he would support legalizing it; Donalds, Fishback, Collins and Renner oppose it. Demings' stance was unclear; he later left the race.

Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, trailing badly in the GOP primary, said he is staying in and circulated a report alleging Donalds liabilities, including youthful marijuana sales Donalds has acknowledged; Donalds's campaign brushed it off.

Lt. Gov. Jay Collins launched a Republican bid for governor, promising to continue DeSantis's agenda and partner with Trump, joining Donalds, Renner and Fishback.