Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Challenges Democrat To Debates Despite Dodging Calls To Debate Primary Opponents

Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL), who is running for Governor of Florida, challenged David Jolly, the likely Democratic nominee, to three debates.

Donalds issued the challenge to Jolly before the Florida GOP gubernatorial primary, which takes place on August 18.

“I’m challenging Democrat @davidjollyfl to THREE debates. Three opportunities for Floridians to compare two very different visions for our state’s future,” Donalds wrote on X.

“I’ll defend Florida’s record on freedom, economic growth, public safety, and common-sense leadership,” he added.

“There’s been a lot of talk about debates, but the only debate that truly matters is the one against the radical Democrats,” Donalds said in a video address.

“You see, David Jolly and I, we have very different views about the future of Florida. My vision is about Florida remaining the free state of Florida based upon commonsense conservative principles, law and order, a growing economy, low taxes, and making sure parents are at the head of the table when it comes to making decisions on behalf of their children,” Donalds continued.

“David Jolly, he actually stands with the Democrat Party. The same Democrats that believe in high taxes, bloated government, boys in girls’ sports, and taking away that authority from parents, and giving it to bureaucrats. This is a very different view of the future of Florida. And this view needs to be debated,” he added.

Watch below:

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

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Florida Politics has more:

Donalds has already submitted a request for proposals to broadcasters, including “television networks, local broadcasters, streaming platforms, and qualified media organizations” that are interested in “a meaningful discussion that allows Floridians to compare Byron Donalds’ vision for a stronger, safer, and more affordable Florida with David Jolly’s support for the failed policies that have driven families and businesses out of Democrat-led states.”

We’ve reached out to Jolly’s campaign for comments on Donalds’ pitch.

The call for debates comes on the same day that a poll from the University of North Florida shows a 5-point race, with Donalds out front.

The Jolly campaign argued in an analysis Monday morning that despite the survey showing a competitive contest, the poll was off base. His team noted that the unweighted sample was too heavily Republican, and argued that Donalds isn’t as popular as Gov. Ron DeSantis and that even a $20 million ad buy hasn’t swayed voters to overwhelmingly support him.

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“Get through your primary and we’ll talk,” Jolly responded.

Get through your primary and we'll talk. https://t.co/GBNZlKXUli

— David Jolly (@davidjollyfl) July 20, 2026

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Donalds has faced significant criticism for avoiding debates with his GOP primary opponents, including his absence from a debate hosted by Patrick Bet-David.

Earlier this month, Bet-David moderated a Florida gubernatorial debate featuring three Republican contenders – Jay Collins, James Fishback, and Paul Renner.

“You’re in *no position* to challenge anyone to a debate after you refuse to show up to the @PatrickBetDavid debate,” Fishback commented.

You’re in *no position* to challenge anyone to a debate after you refuse to show up to the @PatrickBetDavid debate.

— James Fishback (@j_fishback) July 20, 2026

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Fox News explained further:

Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., is brushing off calls to debate his Republican rivals in Florida’s gubernatorial race, arguing his opponents remain stuck in single digits while he holds a commanding lead ahead of the Aug. 18 primary.

“I’ve been consistent,” Donalds told Fox News Digital when asked about criticism of his refusal to participate in debates. “These guys are in single digits. They stay in single digits.”

Donalds has argued there is no reason to debate given the large lead he has maintained throughout the campaign leading up to the primary.

The Florida Republican, retiring from the House to run for governor, has consistently polled at roughly 50%, with all his opponents trailing far behind in single digits. His campaign has also vastly outraised the rest of the field, collecting over $90 million.

“They should spend their time going to see the people of Florida because they’re not getting much support at all,” Donalds said.

Donalds entered the race with President Donald Trump’s endorsement, giving him a major boost among MAGA voters. Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is term limited, has not formally endorsed a candidate.

Donalds’ opponents include Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, former House Speaker Paul Renner and investor James Fishback. The three participated in a debate earlier this month — without Donalds — though he was mentioned consistently throughout conversations.

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Watch the debate moderated by Patrick Bet-David below:


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This is a Guest Post from our friends over at 100 Percent Fed Up. View the original article here.

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[ H/T WLT Report ]