Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
The race to replace Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is heating up as the Aug. 18 primary quickly approaches with several candidates eyeing the governor's mansion. Seventeen names will appear on primary ballots for governor, making the selection process as potentially confusing for voters as it is competitive for the contenders. On the GOP side, the saturated candidate pool includes the state’s current lieutenant governor, Jay Collins; former House Speaker Paul Renner; political newcomer James Fishback; Trump-endorsed congressman Byron Donalds; and many others. Former Republican congressman David Jolly is the current frontrunner to win the Democratic nomination. As part of our continuing election coverage, we sit down with Donalds, the GOP frontrunner, to ask why he should be the Sunshine State’s next chief executive.
First Coast Connect will cover a range of local races and election-related topics between now and Nov. 3. You can find detailed information about upcoming elections, including information about candidates and ballot initiatives in your specific district, at the nonpartisan League of Women Voters website Vote411.org.
Guest: Congressman Byron Donalds, Republican candidate for Florida governor
The race to replace Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is heating up as the Aug. 18 primary quickly approaches with several candidates eyeing the governor's mansion. Seventeen names will appear on primary ballots for governor, making the selection process as potentially confusing for voters as it is competitive for the contenders. On the GOP side, the saturated candidate pool includes the state’s current lieutenant governor, Jay Collins; former House Speaker Paul Renner; political newcomer James Fishback; Trump-endorsed congressman Byron Donalds; and many others. Former Republican congressman David Jolly is the current frontrunner to win the Democratic nomination. As part of our continuing election coverage, we sit down with Donalds, the GOP frontrunner, to ask why he should be the Sunshine State’s next chief executive.
First Coast Connect will cover a range of local races and election-related topics between now and Nov. 3. You can find detailed information about upcoming elections, including information about candidates and ballot initiatives in your specific district, at the nonpartisan League of Women Voters website Vote411.org.
Guest: Congressman Byron Donalds, Republican candidate for Florida governor
