Florida Gubernatorial Race: Donalds and Jolly Neck-and-Neck in New Poll

A new poll from St. Pete Polls shows a virtual tie in the race for Florida Governor. Republican Byron Donalds and Democrat David Jolly are both at 45% in the latest survey, with 4% supporting other candidates and 7% undecided.

The poll was conducted between October 5th and 7th, surveying 836 likely voters. The margin of error is 3.4 percentage points. This indicates a very close election as the candidates head into the final weeks before the general election.

📄 Where and When

The survey focused on likely voters in Florida for the upcoming general election. The data was collected from October 5th to October 7th, 2026. The main figures involved are Republican candidate Byron Donalds and Democratic candidate David Jolly.

📄 Why It Matters

This news matters because it shows the Florida gubernatorial race is extremely tight. A tie means that every vote could make a significant difference. It highlights the competitiveness of the election and suggests that undecided voters will play a crucial role in the outcome.

📄 What the Sides Say

While the article doesn't quote Donalds or Jolly directly, it references a previous poll by the same institute showing a slight lead for Donalds in September. Both candidates are receiving strong support from their respective party bases, with around 80% of Republicans backing Donalds and 81% of Democrats supporting Jolly. However, both are also attracting cross-party votes.

📄 What Comes Next

With four weeks left until the election, this tight race means both campaigns will likely intensify their efforts to sway undecided voters. The significant portion of undecided voters and the close numbers suggest a highly contested final stretch. The results of this poll will likely spur increased campaigning and get-out-the-vote efforts from both camps.