Donalds, Jolly Win Florida Governor Primaries, Set For Debates

Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL) won the Republican primary for Florida governor on Tuesday, and former Representative David Jolly won the Democratic primary, setting up their general election contest to succeed Governor Ron DeSantis.

Donalds, who is backed by Trump, challenged his Democrat opponent, David Jolly, to three debates on Wednesday. Donalds labeled Jolly a "Trojan horse" for "Democrat socialists" and criticized his policy positions, including government-run property insurance. Donalds stated their value systems are vastly different and policies are vastly different, contrasting them with Florida's common-sense state, based on law and order, conservative principles, low taxes, and limited government.

He also criticized "Democrat policy" for rising healthcare costs and inflation, attributing struggles to such policies. The Associated Press called the race for Donalds at 8 p.m. EDT on Tuesday. With 83% of the vote counted, Donalds had secured 48.7%, or 715,409 votes. Donalds defeated 10 other Republicans for the GOP gubernatorial nomination. Both Donalds and Jolly are described as pro-Israel candidates.

Jolly had previously responded to Donalds' debate challenge by saying, "Get through your primary, and we'll talk." Donalds' victory makes him one step closer to becoming Florida's first Black governor. The general election showdown will determine control of the nation's third-largest state. Florida voters also nominated other contenders for the state legislature in Tallahassee and for the U.S. Congress.