MAGA-aligned U.S. Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL), who is running for governor of Florida with President Trump’s endorsement, has refused to participate in a debate with his fellow GOP candidates before the Republican primary, which takes place on August 18.
[NOTE: Donalds said in June: “Look at the polling in our race, every public poll out there now has me in the 50s and these other candidates are in single digits.” He added: “There are no participation trophies in politics. You have to earn your way onto the stage. These candidates want to be able to use my campaign to help theirs.”]
On Monday, Donalds challenged the leading Democratic candidate — former Republican U.S. Representative David Jolly (R-FL) — to three debates.
Donalds wrote on social media: “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.”
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
GOP gubernatorial candidate James Fishback replied to Donalds: “You’re in *no position* to challenge anyone to a debate after you refuse to show up to the @PatrickBetDavid debate.”
Republican Lt. Governor Jay Collins, who is running with Governor Ron DeSantis’s endorsement, replied to Donalds: “This is cute” with a chicken emoji.
Jolly also replied to Donalds’ challenge on social media: “Get through your primary and we’ll talk.”
[NOTE: There are five other candidates vying for the Democratic nomination on August 18 including Florida State Rep. Dotie Joseph. The Florida Phoenix noted Jolly appears to be “the clear frontrunner in the Democratic primary.”]