With just under two weeks left, the GOP's ambitions for Congress and governorships continue to be favorable. The issues of economy, inflation, gas prices, and border security are affecting Americans of every stripe, purpling once solidly-blue voting blocs. This, in turn, is diversifying the Republican Party, not just in voters but in candidates running for office. Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL-19) spoke with Fox News' Harris Faulkner about these topics in a recent interview, which Donalds tweeted below.
ICYMI: Watch my entire interview on The @FaulknerFocus. pic.twitter.com/eEYfqzals6
— Congressman Byron Donalds (@RepDonaldsPress) October 25, 2022
Faulkner leads off with asking Donalds for his take on the race between Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) and Charlie Crist (D). "This race is going to be over quick, fast, and in a hurry. Governor DeSantis is going to win. He's going to win big, I agree with his sentiment, we're going to put another donkey out to pasture in the name of Charlie Crist," referring to the already-famous jab DeSantis made during the gubernatorial debate.
The discussion then shifts to the wider midterms around the country, where Republicans are noted to retain the edge. Donalds says this is because voters are connecting the dots, seeing the fallout of Democratic policies in their communities. "It's the same formula across the country. It's that people are tired of what's happening to kids in schools, they're sick of the crime in their cities, the inflation brought by Joe Biden and Congressional Democrats has been horrific, and the economy's got to get back on track. Not to mention border security. It's the same across the country, that's why Republicans are looking so strong when it comes to taking back Governor's mansions across the country," Donalds elaborates.
Donalds also weighs in on the Senatorial race in Pennsylvania, expressing confidence in Dr. Mehmet Oz's (R) chances against John Fetterman (D), saying Fetterman's endorsements from VP Kamala Harris and former President Barack Obama will not aid him.
Afterwards, Faulkner describes how 67 GOP candidates are of minority background, a markedly diverse lineup. She asks what Donalds thinks of this, who answers, "look, I think first and foremost, the people who are running under the Republican banner are committed to reversing course from this terrible Biden administration and Democrat policy overall. Number two, they believe in limited government and our Constitution, and getting our fiscal house in order."
Donalds' third point, easily the most poignant, is that "number three, the diversity component only breeds well for Republicans long-term. Conservatism isn't about race, it isn't about gender, it's about the viewpoint of America that keeps us strong going forward. And you're going to see more candidates from minority races joining the Republican Party, not less, as we continue to diversify and evolve over time."
