Congressman and Florida gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds (R-FL) challenged presumptive Democratic candidate David Jolly to three debates in the governor's race if elected as the Republican nominee through a social media post this week.
"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 common sense 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 said.
"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," Donalds added. This is a very different view of the future of Florida, and this view needs to be debated."
Rep. Donalds' call follows a UNF poll showing the Republican hopeful with a 5-point lead over Jolly in the governor's race.
"I think when time comes for these debates, you're going to see my vision is one for a free Florida that puts the people of Florida first, protects the Florida dream, expands our economies, and make sure that Florida remains number one in all of America," Donalds continued. "I look forward to these debates, and I know the people of Florida look forward to them as well."
Notably, Rep. Donalds' challenge comes as his Republican primary opponents, Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner, and businessman James Fishback - have been shut of a sanctioned debate by the Republican Party of Florida (RPOF) for not meeting party thresholds.
Gov. Ron DeSantis has also repeatedly criticized the RPOF for refusing to host a debate.
While Donalds has been absent from the debate stage, Collins, Renner, and Fishback did participate in a debate with conservative commentor Patrick Bet-David in July. Renner also called for a debate with Donalds and company during an interview with The Floridan earlier this month.
Debate or not, Jolly responded to Donalds by essentially telling him to pump the brakes. Unlike Donalds, Jolly is the presumptive Democratic nominee after Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings suspended his campaign after being diagnosed with prostate cancer.
"Get through your primary and we'll talk," Jolly wrote.
The primary is Aug. 18, with the general election on Nov. 3.
