Byron Donalds Leads David Jolly in Florida Governor Race
Recent polling shows Byron Donalds holding a lead over David Jolly, though Latino voters favor the challenger.
Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in Elections
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Do you believe current economic and immigration policies in your area influence your vote for governor?
Byron Donalds leads David Jolly in the race for Florida governor according to recent polling. The N+ Univision/YouGov survey shows Donalds at 50 percent support compared to 42 percent for Jolly.
Why it matters
The race highlights deep divides among the Florida electorate, with voters split along ethnic lines and prioritizing economic stability. These results signal that both candidates must address specific concerns regarding jobs and living costs to capture the state's diverse voting population.
The N+ Univision/YouGov poll surveyed 825 voters, while Stetson University polled 826 adults and Mason-Dixon surveyed 625 voters. These surveys track candidate support ahead of the November 2026 election.
The players
Byron Donalds
He is a candidate for governor of Florida who currently holds a lead in multiple recent polls.
David Jolly
He is a candidate for governor of Florida who is trailing in recent polling but leads among Latino voters.
Donald Trump
He is the current President of the United States who holds a 38 percent favorability rating among Florida Latino voters.
The details
While Donalds leads overall, Latinos currently prefer Jolly with 48 percent support compared to 43 percent for Donalds. A significant majority of Latino voters, 59 percent, cite jobs and the cost of living as their top concerns.
Timeline
September 28, 2026 to October 1, 2026: Mason-Dixon poll survey period.
October 1, 2026 to October 9, 2026: Stetson University poll survey period.
October 2, 2026 to October 15, 2026: N+ Univision/YouGov poll survey period.
November 2026: The upcoming gubernatorial midterm elections.
Political Context
The current campaign cycle operates under the framework defined by the Florida gubernatorial election statutes. This race marks a departure from typical partisan divides, as internal voting blocs like Puerto Rican and Cuban populations show distinct and divergent candidate preferences.
Voters should be aware that these polling figures reflect shifting priorities in the state's key Hispanic-dominant counties. The data indicates that candidates are primarily focusing their platforms on inflation and wage growth to secure support before election day.
The takeaway
The split between overall polling and specific demographic leanings underscores the importance of regional outreach in Florida. Voters may see intensified campaign messaging regarding immigration and economic policy as candidates vie for the final undecided segments of the electorate.
Further reading
For more information on the upcoming contests, visit Florida Elections.
Live Poll
Do you believe current economic and immigration policies in your area influence your vote for governor?
