Tech and AI Donors Pour Millions Into Byron Donalds' $90 Million Governor Bid

3 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Jul 21

More than $90 million has flowed into Byron Donalds’ Florida governor campaign, with millions coming from AI groups, data center developers and pro-business PACs as the industry seeks influence over state policy.
At least four developers tied to Florida projects gave five- and six-figure sums, including $500,000 linked to Nelson Ferreira and $350,000 tied to Project Tango backers; Palm Beach County rejected that 600-megawatt proposal last week.
The money arrives as Donalds appears to recalibrate his message, introducing the Protecting Ratepayers Act and running ads promising protections for residents and the environment while still backing data center growth.
Outside groups on both sides of the AI regulation fight are also boosting him: Leading the Future routed $3 million to a PAC backing Donalds, while Public First spent more than $1 million on a pro-Donalds ad.
The donor push collides with weak public support for new facilities: a University of North Florida poll found just 28% of Floridians support an AI data center nearby, while 68% oppose one.