Politics

BOMBSHELL: David Jolly DODGES Debates with Byron Donalds in Florida Governor Race

Gary FranchiSeptember 21, 2026251 views
Debate drama unfolds in the Florida governor race between Jolly and Donalds.
Debate drama unfolds in the Florida governor race between Jolly and Donalds. | Next News Editorial Illustration
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Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Jolly has outright rejected participating in any debates with his Republican rival Byron Donalds in Florida's hotly contested governor race. The decision, announced on Sunday, comes a mere six weeks before voters head to the polls for what could be a pivotal election in the state.

Jolly justified his decision by accusing Rep. Donalds of engaging in 'repeated lies' and acting 'in bad faith.' This move is sure to raise eyebrows among voters eager to see how each candidate plans to address Florida's pressing issues. By eschewing these debates, Jolly risks alienating voters who view these forums as critical opportunities to evaluate their choices.

Over at Donalds' campaign headquarters, the response was one of incredulity.

The Washington Examiner covered Jolly's controversial decision extensively, noting the potential ramifications in a state where political battles often set the tone for national policies. The absence of televised debates could disadvantage voters seeking to make informed choices based on robust, public discussions of policy differences between the candidates.

Our Take

It’s clear, patriots, that while Byron Donalds is ready to bring forth his platform and engage with the public, David Jolly's retreat suggests a lack of confidence in his stance. Are we witnessing another example of the Left's unwillingness to stand by their narratives when faced with direct questions? This decision deprives Floridians of the opportunity to weigh contrasting visions for the future of their state. One might ask: What does Jolly have to fear by facing Donalds head-on? In the end, it is 'We the People' who deserve transparency and accountability. Will this strategic dodge cost Jolly at the ballot box? Time will tell, but this move undoubtedly poses more questions than it answers for the citizens of Florida.

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Gary Franchi
Gary Franchi

Chief White House Correspondent at Next News Network. Executive Producer and Lead Anchor.

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FreeThinkerFLVerifiedSep 21, 2026
The lack of debates lessens the democratic process. We need leaders who aren't afraid to debate!
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GatorMom90VerifiedSep 22, 2026
Wow, this brings back memories of when I saw the same tactics during my city council elections. Dodging debates is a red flag for me.
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USAFirst75VerifiedSep 22, 2026
Donalds is clearly the stronger candidate. Jolly can't handle real competition.
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PatriotMike77VerifiedSep 22, 2026
Absolutely, Donalds is the right choice for Florida!
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TruthSeekerFLAVerifiedSep 22, 2026
Is anyone else wondering why Jolly won't face Donalds? Makes you think there's more going on behind the scenes.
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SunnyDayConservativeVerifiedSep 22, 2026
Exactly, there must be something he's trying to hide!
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LibertyLover2023VerifiedSep 23, 2026
I've noticed more and more candidates avoiding debates. It's like they're scared of facing real questions from concerned voters.
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PatriotMike77VerifiedSep 23, 2026
Typical politician dodging accountability. Jolly knows he can't stand toe-to-toe with someone like Donalds!