Former Republican U.S. Representative David Jolly, who is running as a Democrat to become Florida’s next governor, issued a challenge to one of his Republican opponents, MAGA-aligned U.S. Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL), who is seeking the Republican nomination with President Donald Trump‘s endorsement. (The GOP gubernatorial primary is today, August 18.)
Jolly wrote Tuesday on social media: “Byron Donalds has spent years proudly being Donald Trump’s guy. So here’s my challenge to Byron: bring Trump to Florida. Bring him onto the campaign trail. Stand beside him and defend the economic direction, the corruption, the January 6th pardons and everything else this administration has delivered. Florida voters deserve to know exactly what they’re signing up for. If you’re his guy, Byron, own it.”
Byron Donalds has spent years proudly being Donald Trump’s guy.
So here’s my challenge to Byron: bring Trump to Florida.
Bring him onto the campaign trail. Stand beside him and defend the economic direction, the corruption, the January 6th pardons and everything else this… pic.twitter.com/dU2X4MveHx— David Jolly (@davidjollyfl) August 18, 2026
[NOTE: Donalds, who has refused to debate his fellow Republican candidates in the race, including Florida Lt. Governor Jay Collins (who’s running as the “DeSantis appointed” candidate), has challenged Jolly to a series of three debates. Jolly replied on social media, “Get through your primary and we’ll talk.”]