Florida Primary Today: GOA Endorses Donalds for Governor
Gun Owners of America is backing Byron Donalds in Florida's gubernatorial primary on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. The primary election will determine which candidates move forward to the general election and, critically, which politicians will shape Florida's Second Amendment landscape. GOA's endorsement signals the organization's confidence in Donalds' record on gun rights in a state that has faced significant gun-control pressure since the 2018 Parkland shooting.
Key Details
- Election day is August 18, 2026 — voting occurs today in Florida's primary
- GOA has formally endorsed Byron Donalds as their gubernatorial candidate
- The endorsement follows Florida's adoption of gun-control measures in response to the Parkland school shooting
- The gubernatorial race will set the direction for state-level Second Amendment policy
Why It Matters for Gun Owners
Florida gun owners face a clear choice today. Since 2018, the state has implemented red-flag laws and other restrictions that GOA and other Second Amendment organizations have opposed. A governor aligned with gun rights can block further restrictions, defend existing rights in court, and potentially roll back existing controls. Donalds' endorsement by GOA suggests a track record—or stated positions—that align with constitutional carry, opposition to magazine bans, and resistance to executive overreach on firearms. For Florida shooters, hunters, and concealed carriers, today's primary directly influences whether the next governor will defend or erode Second Amendment protections in the state.
DownRange Analysis
Florida remains a battleground state for gun rights. While it hasn't moved toward constitutional carry like Texas or constitutional permit reciprocity like other states, it also hasn't descended into California-style confiscation. A GOA endorsement means Donalds has likely committed to specific positions: opposing further red-flag expansion, defending Second Amendment cases, and blocking magazine or feature restrictions. Gun owners should verify Donalds' actual voting record or stated positions on red-flag reform, permitless carry, and preemption of local gun bans. A single primary endorsement doesn't guarantee legislative wins—but it signals where a potential governor stands when donors and activists are watching.
