NewsTampa Bay TimesOctober 31, 2026Hillsborough County
Byron Donalds responds to David Jolly's accusations of an anti-Black agenda at Daytona rally
Photo: Tampa Bay Times
Florida gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds defended his campaign platform in Daytona Beach on Friday against accusations from opponent David Jolly that his policy record is anti-Black. Donalds emphasized a merit-based vision for the state rather than focusing on race, while Jolly maintained in a separate interview that Donalds' legislative voting record harms minority communities.
Read the full story at Tampa Bay TimesWhy It Matters
The exchange highlights competing arguments over racial equity and policy records in the Florida gubernatorial race, where recent polling shows significant division among Black voters.
Key Facts
- Byron Donalds responded to accusations from Democratic opponent David Jolly that his policy record is anti-Black.
- Donalds stated at a Daytona Beach rally that his vision for a free and merit-based Florida qualifies him for office, rather than his race.
- David Jolly criticized Donalds on 'The Clay Cane Show,' comparing him to Clarence Thomas and citing votes against the Voting Rights Act and access to capital for minority-owned businesses.
- A St. Pete Polls survey showed Jolly leading Donalds among Black voters 76% to 18%.
- A Stetson University poll showed Jolly leading Donalds among Black voters 68% to 29%.
- Donalds criticized Democrats during the rally, asserting that the Republican Party historically fought for civil rights and the passage of the Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act.
- Jolly stated in a Fox News interview that it is up to the Black community to evaluate Donalds' record and candidacy.
Who's Mentioned
PersonClay Cane“Host of "The Clay Cane Show" where David Jolly was interviewed.”locationMiami“City referenced by Byron Donalds.”OrganizationSt. Pete Polls“Polling organization that surveyed Black voters.”locationPanhandle“Region referenced by Byron Donalds.”locationFlorida“State where the gubernatorial election is taking place.”PersonDonald Trump“President appearing at a Daytona Beach rally with Byron Donalds.”locationTampa Bay“Region mentioned in voter guide links.”locationDaytona Beach“Location of the campaign rally.”PersonByron Donalds“Three-term congressman from Naples running for Florida governor.”OrganizationRepublican Party“Political party of Byron Donalds.”OrganizationStetson University“University that released a poll regarding voter preferences.”PersonJohn Lewis“Namesake of the John Lewis Voting Rights Act.”PersonDavid Jolly“Democratic gubernatorial candidate and opponent of Byron Donalds.”OrganizationDemocratic Party“Political party of David Jolly.”PersonClarence Thomas“Supreme Court Justice referenced by David Jolly in a comparison to Donalds.”OrganizationFox News“Network where David Jolly gave an interview.”locationTallahassee“State capital and site of the Governor's Mansion.”locationHialeah“Location of a campaign event.”OrganizationCongress“Federal legislative body referenced regarding civil rights acts.”locationSt. Petersburg“Location referenced in ballot and mayoral race context.”