Byron Donalds and David Jolly face tightening Florida governor race

The Florida gubernatorial race is tightening as Republican nominee Byron Donalds prepares to visit The Villages for a community Q&A. The Cook Political Report recently shifted the race from “Solid Republican” to “Likely Republican,” noting that while Florida has trended right, the open seat provides an opportunity for Democratic nominee David Jolly. Jolly, a former Republican, is attempting to build a coalition of independent and disaffected Republican voters, though Donalds maintains a significant fundraising advantage.

Amidst the campaign, Donalds has dismissed calls from Jolly to investigate the Hope Florida Foundation. The controversy stems from a leaked grand jury report alleging the DeSantis administration misappropriated taxpayer money by modifying a $67 million Medicaid settlement to divert $10 million into the charity. The funds were subsequently donated to an anti-marijuana political committee. While the grand jury did not recommend criminal charges, Donalds argued that the issue is a matter of “politics” and that voters are more concerned with economic issues like food and utility costs.