DeSantis is set to make things hard for Trump allies in Florida and is ready for high-profile war
Florida – The 2026 gubernatorial primary in Florida might soon be one of the most high-profile Republican showdowns in years. It will put Lt. Governor Jay Collins against Congressman Byron Donalds. But behind the names is a larger story: it’s another episode in the lasting battle between President Donald Trump and Governor Ron DeSantis.
DeSantis recently made Collins lieutenant governor. For a long time, people have thought of Collins as one of the governor’s most trusted legislative allies. Collins has the political experience to run a credible campaign because he is a decorated war veteran and has a résumé that checks almost every box for Republican voters. While he hasn’t officially announced, political chatter suggests a decision could come as early as October. For a lot of people in Florida politics, that would mean “DeSantis vs. Trump II,” but this time by proxy.
Byron Donalds, a popular congressman from Southwest Florida, is the Trump-aligned candidate on the opposite side. Donald has gotten a lot of big-name endorsements, like Trump, U.S. Senator Rick Scott, and most recently, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna. Luna called Donalds a “Florida First patriot” and said that his views on illegal immigration, the expense of living, and caring for veterans showed that he was committed to the state’s future. Donalds has a strong lead in the contest thanks to support from Trump-world and a rumored $22 million war chest.
The situation changed again when First Lady Casey DeSantis, who was earlier thought to be running, seemed to drop out of the race after the “Hope Florida” incident caused political turmoil. Early polls showed that she could beat Donalds, but as the congressman’s profile grew, her advantage evaporated. She hasn’t ruled out running, but because she hasn’t done so yet, Collins is the most likely DeSantis-aligned challenger.
If Collins jumps in, it wouldn’t be the first time DeSantis has overlooked him for higher office. The governor chose Senator Ashley Moody to take Marco Rubio’s spot in the U.S. Senate earlier this year, even though Collins was qualified and loyal.
DeSantis later chose Collins as lieutenant governor, but he has also filled his cabinet with loyal supporters. For example, he made his chief of staff James Uthmeier as attorney general and Senator Blaise Ingoglia as CFO. DeSantis is determined to make sure that even if Donalds wins the governorship, the cabinet will be full of loyalists who can defend the DeSantis legacy. The agricultural commissioner position is still available.
This race is heating up because of DeSantis’ long-term goals and his legacy. The governor is widely believed to have Oval Office aspirations for 2028, but faces a political map where Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, both aligned with Trump, are already being discussed as frontrunners. Finishing strong in his final two years is essential, and that may mean opposing a Trump-backed successor like Donalds.
Donalds, on the other hand, is quickly setting up the apparatus for his campaign. His five-point plan focuses on the economy, school reform, protecting the environment, keeping people safe, and issues that affect veterans. These are all subjects that conservative voters across the state care about. Trump’s early support and a united MAGA network are helping him fast build support, leaving little room for DeSantis camp members to join late.
The stakes are clear: Collins’s run for office would not only be about Florida’s next governor. Two powerful Republicans would be fighting for control of the state and national politics. Donalds takes with him the Trump brand and a strong base. Collins gets DeSantis’ stamp of approval and promises to carry out the governor’s policy goals.
The Florida Republican primary in 2026 might be one of the most highly followed contests in the country if the showdown happens. It will be a test of allegiance, legacy, and which type of conservatism will shape the state’s future. Both sides are making moves right now, and the political temperature in Florida is increasing. It looks like the actual war hasn’t even begun yet.
