Florida Governor Race: Byron Donalds Alters Campaign Tactics

Byron Donalds, a Republican candidate for governor in Florida, has made changes to his campaign website by removing several mentions of President Donald Trump. This adjustment comes amid tightening polls against Democrat David Jolly, a former Republican who left the party. Donalds, a staunch Trump supporter who has received the former president’s endorsement, now faces a potentially competitive race.

Florida, known for leaning more conservative in recent elections, appears less predictable as recent polls indicate a close race. In 2024, Trump won Florida by 13 points, but declining national approval ratings may give Democrats a chance to contest more Republican stalwarts like Florida.

Changed Campaign Site

The alterations to Donalds’ website downplay Trump’s role. On September 22, the website spotlighted a new slogan, “Fighting to defend the Florida dream,” featuring a video of Donalds with his family. It emphasizes Donalds as a “proven conservative fighter for Florida,” covering issues like affordability, healthcare, and education.

A prior snapshot from September 3 showed a banner urging donations to “Support Trump Endorsed Byron Donalds,” with “Trump Endorsed” prominently highlighted. The site included photos of Donalds with his wife and Trump, with multiple endorsements from Trump featured prominently. The revised page maintains Trump’s endorsement but shares the space with endorsements from other conservatives.

The Miami Herald first reported these modifications, and Donalds’ campaign has not provided a reason for the changes. Jolly responded, noting Donalds’ past praise for Trump, including referring to Trump as his “daddy” and supporting him on economic policy.

Polling Insights

Recent polls show a competitive race. A St. Pete Polls survey, commissioned by Florida Politics, revealed a statistical tie between Donalds and Jolly, with Donalds at 44% and Jolly at 43%. A Change Research poll showed Jolly leading by three points, whereas the James Madison Institute and the University of North Florida polls gave Donalds a narrow lead.

Republican Realignment

Several Republicans are distancing themselves from Trump before the midterms. Representative Andy Barr from Kentucky and Representative Young Kim from California have minimized Trump references on their websites. Representative María Elvira Salazar from Florida criticized Trump’s immigration policies, and Representative Ashley Hinson from Iowa has publicly disagreed with Trump regarding the Iran conflict.

Trump’s Approval Ratings

Trump’s national approval ratings have declined recently. An American Research Poll showed only 29% approval, with 68% disapproval. Similarly, a YouGov and The Economist poll found 35% approval, and a Reuters/Ipsos poll reported 32% approval, reflecting widespread disapproval.

Looking Ahead

Political forecasters still favor Donalds. The Cook Political Report rates the race as Likely Republican, while Sabato’s Crystal Ball views it as Lean Republican. Jolly has not agreed to debate Donalds. More voting details are expected post-October 4, as reported by Florida’s secretary of state.