GOP MELTDOWN IN FLORIDA: Trump’s Pick Under Attack as DeSantis Allies Launch All-Out War
TALLAHASSEE, Florida — President Donald Trump’s endorsement was expected to clear the path for Rep. Byron Donalds, but instead the Florida GOP governor’s race is turning into a tense and unpredictable showdown — with Gov. Ron DeSantis’ influence quietly shaping the battlefield as Republicans fight to succeed him.
Donalds seemed positioned for an easy nomination. He has Trump’s backing, strong support from major Florida Republicans, millions raised for his campaign and regular airtime on Fox News. Early polling places him far ahead of the rest of the field.
But rather than consolidating behind him, new GOP candidates are jumping in and taking increasingly aggressive shots — including allies close to the outgoing governor.
The result is a chaotic and intensifying primary in one of the largest states in the country, unfolding as Republicans continue to build a voter registration lead in what was once a swing state.
DeSantis has yet to endorse an opponent to Donalds, and rumors continue to swirl about how he may try to block him. His lieutenant governor, Jay Collins, appears ready to enter the race, though it is unclear whether DeSantis will support him if he does.
Florida’s Republican primary is getting messier by the day.
“He simply knows he doesn’t want Byron to be governor, but there is no clear plan to stop him,” said one longtime GOP strategist familiar with DeSantis’ thinking, who spoke anonymously to discuss internal dynamics.
This past week, investor and online provocateur James Fishback entered the race, immediately launching harsh attacks on Donalds — including calling the Black Republican a “slave” to corporate donors. Before joining the race, Fishback had repeatedly clashed online with Trump advisers, including deputy chief of staff James Blair. Trump adviser Alex Bruesewitz called Fishback a “total scam artist” on a conservative podcast.
At the same time, Collins continues edging closer to announcing and has sharpened his criticism of Donalds. Meanwhile, a mysterious group known as “Florida Fighters” has begun airing positive ads about Collins in central Florida — spending around 3.5 million dollars so far, according to AdImpact.
Collins said he is encouraged by the support, adding during a Jacksonville press conference that he is “grateful for whatever group that was.”
Collins, a former Green Beret and Army veteran who lost part of his leg during service, was chosen by DeSantis in August to become lieutenant governor after the seat opened. He has openly discussed running since then, but eight GOP insiders who spoke to POLITICO said his delay is partly because he has not secured a definitive promise that DeSantis will endorse him.
During a visit to Miami before Thanksgiving, Collins said he has made a decision. “We’ll announce soon. Stay tuned,” he said, adding that leadership is about representing “23.5 million people,” not personal ego. He also hinted that any support from DeSantis may not come immediately.
Another candidate already running is former state House Speaker Paul Renner, even though DeSantis previously called his campaign “ill-advised.”
“I believe I’m a strong alternative, and ultimately we’re going to win,” Renner said during an event in Tampa.
Renner has focused on policy rollouts to contrast himself with Donalds, who promotes making Florida a “financial capital” while spending considerable time defending Trump and the White House. Renner has avoided the personal attacks embraced by Fishback and Collins.
Donalds’ strategist Ryan Smith responded to Fishback’s comments, saying, “Donalds has spent his life as a strong conservative voice defending President Trump and the America First agenda. He is unfazed by racist online trolls.”
Smith added that anyone opposing Donalds is “an anti-Trump RINO who will be crushed in the primary.”
Boby, [30.11.2025 13:25]
Democrats are expected to have their own competitive primary featuring Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and former Rep. David Jolly. But the GOP race is currently drawing more attention.
Donalds has been making steady appearances at Republican fundraisers and party events — including one last August where Fishback introduced him.
Rep. Randy Fine, one of Donalds’ supporters, said he has overwhelming advantages.
“I don’t know what these people are thinking,” Fine said, citing Donalds’ name recognition and his roughly 30 million dollars already raised. “The base loves him. He has Trump’s endorsement. And now he has a nine-month head start.”
A November poll of likely GOP voters by Republican pollster Ryan Tyson showed Donalds leading with 41 percent, while Renner, Collins and others remained in the low single digits. When voters were informed of Trump’s endorsement, Donalds’ support rose to 58 percent. DeSantis won his 2018 primary with similar numbers after receiving Trump’s endorsement.
Despite these signs, the race has not cleared. NBC News reported that DeSantis tried to persuade GOP megadonor Ken Griffin to fund a challenger to Donalds, but Griffin refused. A Republican operative confirmed this report.
Another operative said the White House is aware of DeSantis’ efforts to find a challenger — a move that, if successful, could spark speculation about a renewed DeSantis Trump rivalry after their 2024 presidential clash.
“They know. It’s fine for now, as long as it ends soon,” the operative said.
Online criticism of Donalds continues, including discussions about his friendship with Rep. Cory Mills, who is being investigated by the House Ethics Committee. Donalds called the allegations “troubling” and said he supports the investigation.
The coming months will be a key test for Donalds. If he falters, more Republicans may enter the race.
However, one GOP consultant remains unconvinced that can happen.
“This race is still Byron’s to lose, and I don’t see anything right now that changes that,” the consultant said.