Florida Governor Primary Pits Two Pro-Israel Candidates

On Tuesday night, Florida voters selected Republican Byron Donalds and Democrat David Jolly as their parties’ nominees for the 2026 gubernatorial race. The Associated Press, with about 85 % of precincts reported, recorded Donalds with 48.6 % of the GOP primary vote and Jolly with 61.5 % of the Democratic primary vote. Donalds, a Black Representative from Florida’s 19th district since 2019, earned former President Donald Trump’s endorsement and has positioned himself as a staunch supporter of decisive U.S. action against Iran. Jolly, who served as a Republican U.S. Representative from 2014-2017 before switching parties, emphasizes a continued commitment to Israel while criticizing the current administration’s approach to the Iran conflict.

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Incumbent Governor Ron DeSantis, term-limited after two terms, built a reputation for unwavering support of Israel. He was the first Florida governor to visit the West Bank in 2019, touring an industrial park in the Gush Etzion settlement area. That same year, DeSantis pressured Airbnb to reverse a policy that had removed listings in West Bank settlements. His legislative record includes multiple bills aimed at protecting Florida’s Jewish community and a 2023 proclamation celebrating Israel’s 75th independence anniversary.

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Both nominees reaffirm their pro-Israel credentials. He also supports “decisive action” against Iran, echoing Trump’s 2023 strike decision. Jolly, while maintaining a long-standing pro-Israel record—including a 2016 visit to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a call to raise U.S. military aid to Israel from $3.1 billion to $5 billion—has warned that the president’s war initiative lacks broad public confidence and is led by a “cabinet largely unqualified.” He urges prayer for U.S. troops and a swift end to the conflict.

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• Republican primary: Byron Donalds 48.6 % (Associated Press).

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• Democratic primary: David Jolly 61.5 % (Associated Press).

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• DeSantis’s 2019 West Bank visit: industrial park in Gush Etzion.

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• Proposed increase in U.S. aid to Israel: from $3.1 billion to $5 billion (Jolly’s 2016 statement).

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• “Peace is achieved through strength, not weakness,” — Republican Byron Donalds

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• “This president enters war without the broad confidence of the American people and with a cabinet largely unqualified,” — Democrat David Jolly

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