2026 watch: Byron Donalds brings Tony Fabrizio’s firm into campaign operation

U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds has brought aboard President-elect Donald Trump’s most prominent pollster onto his campaign team.

The Naples Republican signed on Fabrizio, Lee & Associates. That’s the research company headed by Tony Fabrizio, one of the nation’s leading Republican pollsters and strategists. Fabrizio most notably served as Trump’s pollster in his successful 2016 campaign and more recently conducted polling for the pro-Trump super PAC MAGA Inc.

“Tony Fabrizio, and his firm, have an unmatched record of success across the country and in Florida,” Donalds said. “I’m looking forward to working with Tony, David, and their team to help craft a winning message.”

The move comes amid speculation Donalds will run for Governor in two years.

Fabrizio’s jump could also mark the start of a migration of Trump staff from Mar-a-Lago to Naples just as Donalds considers a statewide run. Donalds’ congressional campaign in Florida’s 19th Congressional District officially hired Fabrizio, but the pollster will likely serve Donalds should he choose to run for a higher office as well. Donalds has long been rumored to be eyeing a run for Governor in 2026.

Fabrizio said he was excited to work with the three-term Congressman.

“Byron Donalds is a rising star in Republican politics, and we are proud to be a part of his team as he prepares for the upcoming election,” Fabrizio said. “Florida has become the epicenter of Republican politics, and we are excited to be a part of the next chapter in Florida’s leadership.”

Donalds first won his seat in the U.S. House in 2020, emerging from a crowded Republican field and succeeding retired U.S. Rep. Francis Rooney. In a short time, Donalds emerged as a favorite of cable news and an influential bridge between the Freedom Caucus and more traditional establishment leadership. He was even a contender for Speaker of the House last year as Republicans considered who should replace ousted Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

Donalds endorsed Trump early in the Republican Presidential Primary in 2023 over Gov. Ron DeSantis, and has been a strong ally of the incoming President in Congress.

Before serving in Congress, Donalds served two terms in the Florida House.

The hire by Donalds comes as several contenders make moves to run for Governor. Former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz told the Tampa Bay Times he was “considering” a run, and both Attorney General Ashley Moody and Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson are frequently mentioned as contenders. On the Democratic side, Florida Senate Democratic Leader Jason Pizzo appears an early front-runner for the nomination.