As a Floridian who’s stayed mostly quiet on the Governor’s race, I long assumed Byron Donalds was a lock and saw little reason to argue about it on X. A recent narrative among some conservatives who aren’t fans of Donalds has changed that. They suggest leaving the line blank or voting for David Jolly, trusting our Republican legislature to keep him in check. That is a bad idea that takes massive, unnecessary risks.
The Governor is Florida’s chief executive and holds enormous power. In another COVID-style pandemic or crisis, Jolly would almost certainly take his cues from the national Democrat Party — exactly the approach DeSantis rejected. We already saw what that looked like in other states.
Beyond emergencies, a Governor controls key appointments (including agency heads and judges), shapes the budget and regulatory agenda, and sets the direction of state policy. A Republican legislature can slow some things down, but it cannot neutralize an activist Democrat executive determined to reverse DeSantis-era gains on education, parental rights, economic freedom, and more.
Florida’s progress is real and worth protecting. Divided government is not a free pass to gamble with the Governor’s office. Vote for Byron Donalds.
Just a reminder for Floridians who think @davidjollyfl is the “moderate” choice for Gov … this is his plan for #schoolchoice. As soon as this is implemented, MANY of the private schools your kids and grandkids attend will decline to participate in the program. https://t.co/tTVXw5oH6F
— Just Mindy 🐊 (@just_mindy) October 22, 2026
I understand the frustration some of my fellow conservatives feel. Byron Donalds was not my first choice. Honestly, there wasn’t a candidate in this primary I particularly liked. I also disliked his refusal to debate. It came across as arrogant and dismissive of voters. At the same time, if I’d been advising his campaign I probably would have recommended the same strategy. Debates are unpredictable, he held a solid lead, and there was little upside in taking the risk.
The primary is over. Republican voters in Florida have spoken. For me, putting any Democrat in the Governor’s office is not an option. One clear example: Florida has one of the strongest school choice programs in the country, and Democrats have made no secret of their desire to dismantle or severely restrict it. That alone is a non-starter for me.
The stakes are too high to sit this one out or cast a protest vote.
Finally, I believe I owe it to Ron DeSantis to vote for the person he endorsed. DeSantis endorsed Byron Donalds. He could have remained quiet and not endorsed at all. He didn't. He has made it clear who he wants to take up the mantle he is leaving behind. He deserves to have his legacy respected.
Tonight I was honored to earn Governor @RonDeSantis’s endorsement. Governor DeSantis has done incredible work to make Florida the envy of America. As your next Governor, I will build on his success and defend the Florida Dream. https://t.co/iRyQMD1V9i
— Byron Donalds (@ByronDonalds) September 2, 2026
If DeSantis says “jump,” I’ll say “how high?” He has never led me or this state astray.
The Democrats have not earned the benefit of the doubt over the last decade. They lied about Joe Biden’s health, allowed antisemitic and terrorist-aligned candidates to gain influence in their party, and continue looking for ways to strip Americans of basic rights, including the right to safety. They will never be my harbor in a storm.
