Republican Florida Lt. Governor Jay Collins, who is running for governor with Governor Ron DeSantis‘ endorsement, is attacking his GOP primary opponent, the Trump-endorsed U.S. Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL), on social media.
When Collins shared the side-by-side comparison of his record next to Donalds’ — a comparison that features Donalds’ 1997 marijuana possession charge and a 2000 felony-bribe charge, among other things — chairwoman of the Florida Democratic Party Nikki Fried replied to Collins, “Thanks for the campaign material!”
While I was earning my Green Beret, my opponent, Byron Donalds, was dealing drugs to kids. Maybe that’s why he wasn’t appointed by Governor DeSantis? pic.twitter.com/1bmN59v1eU
— Jay Collins (@JayCollinsFL) July 22, 2026
Donalds, who is leading the GOP primary by 50 points in most polls, has refused to debate his fellow Republicans including Collins, and earlier this week challenged the presumed Democratic nominee, former Republican Rep. David Jolly, to a series of three debates.
Jolly replied to Donalds’ challenge by writing on social media: “Get through your primary and we’ll talk.”
I’m challenging Democrat @davidjollyfl to THREE debates.
Three opportunities for Floridians to compare two very different visions for our state’s future.
I’ll defend Florida’s record on freedom, economic growth, public safety, and common-sense leadership. pic.twitter.com/O6IwtQ9PY2
— Byron Donalds (@ByronDonalds) July 20, 2026
Not all Republicans are impressed with Donalds’ campaign.
Former Trump attorney Jenna Ellis responded to Donalds’ refusal to debate the other Republican candidates, writing: “The GOP needs to stop this now. You can’t just blow past the primary voters. I really wish Florida would teach Byron and the rest of the arrogant egos a big lesson on August 18.” (Both primaries in Florida are scheduled for August 18.)