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Cruz, Roy Back Donalds as Florida GOP Governor Field Widens

Fresh endorsements highlight Byron Donalds’ advantage over new and potential challengers in the 2026 primary.

Overview

  • Sen. Ted Cruz and Rep. Chip Roy endorsed Rep. Byron Donalds, adding to the Trump-backed candidate’s growing roster of national supporters.
  • Investor James Fishback signaled an imminent run on a hard-line immigration and “Florida First” platform, including calls to end H‑1B visas, drawing intra-party criticism.
  • Trump allies, including Alex Bruesewitz and Rep. Randy Fine, have urged Fishback not to run as Republicans push to consolidate around Donalds.
  • Former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner is already in the race, and Lt. Gov. Jay Collins says he is close to a decision on a possible bid.
  • A recent survey cited by Florida Politics showed Donalds at 39% with Renner and Collins in the low single digits, as Donalds touts more than $31 million raised and a January Mar‑a‑Lago fundraiser.