Florida GOP Gubernatorial Candidate Byron Donalds Challenges Democrat David Jolly to Three Debates

Republican U.S. Representative Byron Donalds, candidate for Florida governor, publicly challenged likely Democratic nominee David Jolly to three televised debates ahead of the GOP primary on August 18. Donalds posted on X that the debates would let Floridians compare “two very different visions for our state’s future,” emphasizing his platform of low taxes, economic growth, public safety and parental authority.

He also issued a request for proposals to broadcasters and streaming platforms to host the debates, positioning the forum as a meaningful discussion of policy differences. A University of North Florida poll released the same day showed Donalds leading Jolly by five points. The Jolly campaign has responded with an analysis questioning Donalds' approach.