{"id":2388507,"date":"2025-01-09T17:46:02","date_gmt":"2025-01-09T22:46:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/donalds-hires-pollster-as-floridas-2026-gubernatorial-speculation-grows\/"},"modified":"2025-01-09T17:47:15","modified_gmt":"2025-01-09T22:47:15","slug":"donalds-hires-pollster-as-floridas-2026-gubernatorial-speculation-grows","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/donalds-hires-pollster-as-floridas-2026-gubernatorial-speculation-grows\/","title":{"rendered":"Donalds hires pollster as Florida&#8217;s 2026 gubernatorial speculation grows"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">18<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fdonalds-hires-pollster-as-floridas-2026-gubernatorial-speculation-grows%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2388507&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) has recently hired \u200dprominent pollster Tony Fabrizio, signaling his \u200dpotential candidacy for Florida&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/harris-joked-to-friends-that-she-may-run-for-california-governor-if-white-house-is-lost-report\/\" title=\"Harris jokes about running for California governor if White House bid fails: report\">2026 gubernatorial election<\/a>. This move comes amid speculation about former Rep. Matt Gaetz&#8217;s possible bid for the same \u2062position. Fabrizio, known for his \u200b<a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/warren-buffet-buys-nearly-6-million-more-occidental-shares\/\" title=\"Warren Buffet Buys Nearly 6 Million More Occidental Shares\">successful track record<\/a> with Republican campaigns\u2014including working for\u200b Donald Trump\u200c in 2016\u2014will assist Donalds in shaping an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/nikki-haley-on-the-rise\/\" title=\"Nikki Haley soaring high\">effective campaign strategy<\/a>. Donalds expressed enthusiasm\u2064 about collaborating with <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\">fabrizio adn highlighted<\/a> the\u2062 pollster&#8217;s proven success in \u200dFlorida and nationwide. As he contemplates his political future, Donalds remains\u2062 strategic and cautious in \u200dhis public statements regarding the upcoming election.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><\/p>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-header-search-button-mob dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search\" aria-labelledby=\"td-header-search-button\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search-inner\">\n<form method=\"get\" class=\"tdb-search-form\" action=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\"><\/form>\n<div class=\"tdb-aj-search\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Search\" class=\"tdb-head-search-btn dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<h1 class=\"tdb-title-text\">Byron Donalds hires pollster as Florida&rsquo;s 2026 gubernatorial speculation grows<\/h1>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-title-line\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div id=\"Brid_1931623\" class=\"tpd-featured-video bridtv\"><\/div>\n<p>The 2026 gubernatorial <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/florida\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Florida<\/a> election could be heating up early, as a recent hiring by Rep. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/byron-donalds\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Byron Donalds&rsquo;s<\/a> (R-FL) campaign might signal he has his eyes on the governor&rsquo;s mansion next year.<\/p>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p>Amid speculation that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/3280689\/gaetz-starting-think-florida-governor-run-compelling-vision\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz will launch a gubernatorial bid in next year&rsquo;s election<\/a>, Donalds has brought on<a href=\"https:\/\/floridapolitics.com\/archives\/714667-byron-donalds-brings-tony-fabrizios-firm-into-campaign-operation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\"> Fabrizio, Lee &amp; Associates<\/a>, headed by one of the most prominent pollsters among Republicans, Tony Fabrizio. Previously, Fabrizio worked as a pollster for then-presidential candidate <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/donald-trump\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Donald Trump<\/a> for his 2016 campaign and has since been hired by Donalds&rsquo;s congressional campaign in Florida&rsquo;s 19th District.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;Tony Fabrizio and his firm have an unmatched record of success across the country and in Florida,&rdquo; Donalds said. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m looking forward to working with Tony, David, and their team to help craft a winning message.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) speaks before former President Donald Trump, Republican presidential nominee, at a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo\/Evan Vucci)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The hiring comes as Donalds has been considered by many to be a possible candidate for the Republican Party&rsquo;s Florida gubernatorial election. When asked about his political future in November, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/3237258\/byron-donalds-says-trump-focused-on-agenda-over-diversity-cabinet-picks\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Donalds opted to keep his cards to his chest<\/a> but said he was &ldquo;not surprised&rdquo; Trump had not nominated him for a position in the incoming administration.<\/p>\n<p>Gaetz confirmed reports Wednesday that he is &ldquo;of course&rdquo; considering a 2026 Florida gubernatorial run, deeming himself &ldquo;the true Florida man, after all.&rdquo; The former congressman also cited polls that showed he was in the lead in the event that he did run, but he stressed that &ldquo;polls change over time.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Gaetz for Governor? <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/mattgaetz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@MattGaetz<\/a> weighs on the media&rsquo;s latest hysteria about his political future. <\/p>\n<p>Click here to watch full episodes: <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/Bgm0eOgh9K\">https:\/\/t.co\/Bgm0eOgh9K<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/OAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#OAN<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/TheMattGaetzShow?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#TheMattGaetzShow<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/Latest?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#Latest<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/Breaking?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#Breaking<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/Exclusive?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#Exclusive<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/srxtxUZf64\">pic.twitter.com\/srxtxUZf64<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; One America News (@OANN) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/OANN\/status\/1877177220558463079?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">January 9, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p> <script data-cfasync=\"false\" src=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/cdn-cgi\/scripts\/5c5dd728\/cloudflare-static\/email-decode.min.js\"><\/script><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>    <\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;My family and I will think and pray about this,&rdquo; Gaetz said. &ldquo;We have plenty of time.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\"><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>On the Democratic Party&rsquo;s side, Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) confirmed last year that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.politico.com\/news\/2024\/03\/06\/jared-moskowitz-florida-governor-2026-00145320\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">he is not ruling out the possibility<\/a> of seeking the governor&rsquo;s mansion in 2026 while also saying it is still &ldquo;super early.&rdquo; Since then, Moskowitz has become <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/house\/3248200\/jared-moskowitz-first-democrat-join-house-doge-caucus\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">the first Democrat to join the House&rsquo;s Department of Government Efficiency Caucus<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Florida is a state where Republicans have gradually gained more ground over the years, with Trump winning the state in the last three <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/what-is-going-on-minnesota-and-wisconsin-both-had-89-90-turnout-something-that-is-highly-unlikely\/\" title=\"What is Going On? Minnesota and Wisconsin BOTH had 89%-90% Turnout -- Something That Is Highly Unlikely\">presidential elections<\/a> after former President Barack Obama won the state twice. The Sunshine State&rsquo;s 2018 gubernatorial election saw then-candidate <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/ron-desantis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Ron DeSantis<\/a> just <a href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/263896e7421946b09d7dcf670a15c606\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">barely win against Democratic candidate Andrew Gillum<\/a>, yet DeSantis resoundingly won reelection against former Gov. Charlie Crist <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/politics\/2022-elections\/florida-governor-results\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">by over 19%<\/a> in 2022.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p> <script>!function(){var g=window;g.googletag=g.googletag||{},g.googletag.cmd=g.googletag.cmd||[],g.googletag.cmd.push(function(){g.googletag.pubads().setTargeting(\"has-featured-video\",\"true\")})}();<\/script><script>var _bp=_bp||[];_bp.push({\"div\":\"Brid_1931623\",\"obj\":{\"id\":\"27789\",\"width\":\"1280\",\"height\":\"720\",\"stickyDirection\":\"below\",\"video\":\"1931623\"}});<\/script><script defer src=\"https:\/\/services.brid.tv\/player\/build\/brid.min.js\"><\/script><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Byron Donalds hires a pollster as 2026 Florida governor race heats up<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2632,"featured_media":2388508,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Donalds-for-Governor-scaled-1024x684.webp","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[48230,32319,43492],"class_list":["post-2388507","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-2026-gubernatorial-race","tag-donald-trump","tag-florida-politics"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Donalds-for-Governor-scaled-1024x684.webp","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2388507","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2632"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2388507"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2388507\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2388511,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2388507\/revisions\/2388511"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2388508"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2388507"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2388507"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2388507"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}