An informal straw poll conducted among Republican activists in Duval County is offering an early snapshot of how one key bloc of GOP voters is viewing the 2026 Florida governor’s race.
According to the Republican Liberty Caucus, the survey targeted active members of the local Republican Liberty Caucus and Republican Party—described as grassroots donors, volunteers, and frequent primary voters who often play an outsized role in shaping early campaign momentum.
The results, based on 105 responses collected over a 48-hour period, showed former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner with a commanding lead:
- Paul Renner: 57.1%
- Byron Donalds: 27.6%
- Jay Collins: 8.6%
- Other candidates, including James Fishback and Bobby Williams, received minimal support
The poll was labeled as informal, with organizers noting that no endorsement was implied.
Still, the results highlight early strength for Renner among engaged grassroots Republicans in Northeast Florida—a region that has historically played a meaningful role in GOP primaries.
In response to the poll, Renner pointed to what he described as a contrast in records between himself and Donalds.
“Voters want a governor with proven leadership—someone grounded in experience, not hype or smoke and mirrors—who will deliver real results that solve their challenges. When they compare my record and results to Congressman Donalds, there’s no comparison. The results in Duval County will continue to play out across the state as voters take a closer look at the candidates in this two-person race,” said former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner, a Florida gubernatorial candidate.
While the Duval County poll reflects only a small and highly engaged subset of Republican voters, it underscores how the early contours of the GOP primary may be forming—particularly if the race consolidates into a head-to-head contest between Renner and Donalds.
With the 2026 primary still ahead, broader polling and statewide organization will ultimately determine whether this early local advantage translates into lasting momentum.
