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5d ago

UNF Poll Shows Trump Endorsement Lifts Donalds in Florida GOP Governor Race

Many Republican voters say a future Ron DeSantis endorsement would carry more weight, keeping the primary fluid.

President Donald Trump speaks during the Angel Families Remembrance Ceremony in the White House in Washington, D.C. on February 23, 2026.
Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) shakes hands with former U.S. President Donald Trump during the Moms for Liberty Joyful Warriors national summit at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown on June 30, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The self-labeled "parental rights" summit is bringing school board hopefuls from across the country where attendees will receive training and hear from Republican presidential candidates which include former U.S. President Donald Trump, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley. The summit, which is being held in an overwhelmingly Democratic Philadelphia, has drawn protestors since the event was announced due to their pushing of book bans accusing schools of ideological overreach, including teaching about race, gender, and sexuality. Michael M. Santiago/Getty

Overview

  • On an uninformed ballot, Byron Donalds leads with 28% to Casey DeSantis’ 24%, with 36% of likely GOP voters undecided.
  • When respondents are told Donald Trump backs Donalds, his support rises to 47% as Casey DeSantis falls to 12%, with the rest in single digits.
  • Forty-two percent of Republicans say a Ron DeSantis endorsement would matter more to them than Trump’s 32%, and the governor has not endorsed anyone.
  • The University of North Florida Public Opinion Research Lab surveyed 657 likely Republican primary voters from Feb. 16–19 with a margin of error of ±4.38 points.
  • Donalds posts his strongest numbers in South Florida (38% to 14% over Casey DeSantis), and James Fishback draws 32% among voters under 35 as key deadlines approach on July 12 for filing and Aug. 18 for the primary.