Byron Donalds
ON THE RECORD · 19 verbatim quotes · every quote source-verified
“Deepwater Horizon exploded in the Gulf of America, David Jolly went and became a lobbyist for more oil drilling off the coast of Florida, that is a fact and so what we're seeing is a history of somebody who does everything possible, will say whatever, will be paid by whomever that are only in the interest of David Jolly.”
Byron Donalds · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-25
Donalds cited the controversy over Jolly's lobbying firm representing a client that advocated for legislation expanding offshore drilling after the Deepwater Horizon spill.
“The shift in positions by David Jolly is not because of personal conviction, it is purely because of political convenience,”
Byron Donalds · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-25
Donalds told Fox News Digital that Jolly's shift in positions was for political convenience, referencing a 2016 exchange between Jolly and Charlie Crist.
“He won't debate me because he knows that on a debate stage, I will hold him accountable for these things.”
Byron Donalds · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-25
Donalds told Fox News Digital that Jolly is avoiding debates because he fears being held accountable on a debate stage.
“Now he's ducking debates,”
Byron Donalds · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-25
Donalds criticized Jolly for ruling out participating in debates this cycle despite Donalds agreeing to three proposed debates.
“What you find with David Jolly is somebody who's done a complete 180 simply to run for office again and to gain relevance again and the people of Florida simply cannot trust David Jolly because we cannot afford David Jolly’s flip-flopping when it comes to the great state of Florida,”
Byron Donalds · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-25
Donalds told Fox News Digital that his campaign will continue to focus on Jolly's flips on party registration and issues.
“Now trying to run for governor he wants to expand Obamacare in Florida. I mean, these are just some of the complete shifts that we've seen in what he stands for.”
Byron Donalds · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-25
Donalds argued Jolly has completely shifted his positions on Obamacare to run for governor.
“When David Jolly was in Congress, he opposed Obamacare,”
Byron Donalds · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-25
Donalds cited Jolly's record on healthcare as an example of inconsistency showing a lack of credibility.
“The one in El Paso, Texas, had a measles outbreak. So, you can pretty quickly see for people who’ve come into the country illegally, with no vaccination history at all, it has created flareups in the United States.”
Byron Donalds · said 2026-08-26 · reported 2026-08-27
Donalds argued that people entering the country illegally with no vaccination history have caused measles flareups.
“If you’re going to go back to the illegal immigration point I made on 'Face the Nation' — there was an illegal immigrant detention facility in Chicago that had a measles outbreak,”
Byron Donalds · said 2026-08-26 · reported 2026-08-27
Donalds told a Phoenix reporter that measles outbreaks at immigrant detention facilities show a connection to undocumented immigration.
“My Democrat opponent would raise taxes, make life more expensive, and bring the Democrats’ radical left agenda to the Sunshine State – Florida cannot afford Liberal David Jolly. David Jolly has lost before, and he will lose again on November 3. United, we will win the Governor’s mansion in 77 days and ensure that Florida remains the best state in this great country.”
Byron Donalds · said 2026-08-18 · reported 2026-08-19
Donalds posted this on X on Tuesday evening, attacking his Democratic opponent David Jolly.
“Now is the time for the Republican Party to unite. By working together, we can make Florida more affordable and defend the Florida Dream for our families, seniors, and young people. My Democrat opponent would raise taxes, make life more expensive, and bring the Democrats’ radical left agenda to the Sunshine State – Florida cannot afford Liberal David Jolly. David Jolly has lost before, and he will lose again on November 3. United, we will win the Governor’s mansion in 77 days and ensure that Florida remains the best state in this great country.”
Byron Donalds · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-19
Donalds continued his statement in the same news release, criticizing his Democratic opponent David Jolly.
“But tonight the primary is over. Tonight we put aside our differences. Tonight we are one united Republican Party,”
Byron Donalds · said 2026-08-18 · reported 2026-08-19
Donalds said this in his victory speech after winning the Republican gubernatorial primary in Florida.
“I am grateful to my family, my team, my volunteers, and every Floridian who powered us to this victory,”
Byron Donalds · said 2026-08-18 · reported 2026-08-19
Donalds made this statement in a news release after winning the Republican primary for Florida governor.
“Tonight we put aside our differences. Tonight we are one united Republican Party.”
Byron Donalds · said 2026-08-18 · reported 2026-08-18
Donalds called for Republican unity after saying his primary rivals pledged help in the general election.
“Obviously, he has the strongest following of anybody in our party,”
Byron Donalds · said 2026-08-18 · reported 2026-08-18
Donalds described President Donald Trump's backing as important but not determinative.
“The primary is over,”
Byron Donalds · said 2026-08-18 · reported 2026-08-18
Donalds addressed supporters at a Universal Studios resort hotel after winning the GOP gubernatorial primary.
“you can’t just sit back and think the president’s endorsement is going to carry you.”
Byron Donalds · said 2026-08-18 · reported 2026-08-18
Donalds said a presidential endorsement alone is not enough to win.
“every member of the Biden administration, at this point, needs to be subpoenaed,”
Byron Donalds · said 2025-07-16 · reported 2025-07-16
Byron Donalds argued that every member of the Biden administration should be subpoenaed.
“This is corruption at the highest level, because if you cannot answer a simple question about Joe Biden’s capabilities, then that further demonstrates that he was not in charge of his administration,”
Byron Donalds · said 2025-07-16 · reported 2025-07-16
Byron Donalds criticized the refusal to answer questions regarding Joe Biden's capabilities.