Byron Donalds: Florida Democrats have been 'Soundly Defeated'

Congressman and Florida gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds (R-FL) put a stake in the Democratic Party in the Sunshine State, saying they have been "soundly defeated" during an appearance on Sunday Morning Features with Maria Bartiromo.

Rep. Donalds also credited policies set by Gov. Ron DeSantis for turning Florida bright red during his tenure, which has essentially put Democrats in the dust. Donalds is hoping to succeed DeSantis once his term ends in January 2027.

"The Democrats here in Florida have been soundly defeated. You gotta give credit where credit is due - Governor DeSantis's leadership during Covid," Donalds said. "And really his governorship over the last couple of years, in part with the amount of voters that have chosen Florida. They've become Republicans."

The sharp criticism came after Sen. Jason Pizzo (I-Sunny Isles) quit the Democratic Party and registered as an Independent last week. Sen. Pizzo was the Democratic Leader.

But hey, don't expect Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Nikki Fried to put any of the blame on herself. Fried slammed Pizzo on his way out the door.

“Jason Pizzo is one of the most ineffective and unpopular Democratic leaders in recent memory, and his resignation is one of the best things to happen to the party in years,” Fried said. "His legacy as leader includes continually disparaging the party base, starting fights with other members, and chasing his own personal ambitions at the expense of Democratic values."

Two House Democrats also defected and became Republicans earlier this year.

The GOP already held massive supermajorities in the House and Senate, so adding two more members is like scoring another touchdown when your team is already up 50 points.

Blowouts like that often get a head coach fired. But all it has done is give Fried a stay as party Chair and seemingly more confidence.

"The Democrats have no message. They have no leader. They really don't know where to go," Donalds added.

With the wheels appearing to fall off, Donalds said the Democratic party was "radical" in nature, including in its messaging, as anti-semitism continues to rise against Jewish students after the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack against Israel.

He also blasted the party for favoring illegal aliens over Americans.

"Their party is a mess. It's massively divided. And so what you're seeing here is Democrats in our state are saying enough is enough. They're either becoming Republicans or they're going Independent," Donalds said.