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● InformationalElections / Campaigns

David Jolly Refuses to Face Off with Byron Donalds in Florida Governor Race

Donalds' campaign accepted three proposed debates as Jolly announced he would not participate.

David Jolly Refuses to Face Off with Byron Donalds in Florida Governor Race
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This article1 analysis · Oct 5, 2026
Sep 20, 2026
tl;dr

David Jolly said he would not debate Republican Florida gubernatorial opponent Byron Donalds, citing alleged falsehoods and bad faith. Donalds' campaign had accepted three debate proposals, while Jolly said he would focus on meeting voters instead.

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VOTING CLOSED
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Byron Donalds R · FL-19
NOT RATEDCLOSED

No good or bad look here

This story reports what happened without casting Donalds in a good or bad light, so readers don’t rate it and it doesn’t count toward Donalds’s record.

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People in this story

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Byron Donalds
R · FL-19

Republican candidate for Florida governor and Jolly's debate opponent

PRIMARY SUBJECT
David W. Jolly
Former U.S. Representative (R-FL)

Democratic candidate for Florida governor who declined debates with Donalds

Jolly's version of this story ↗
Ron DeSantis
Former U.S. Representative (R-FL)

Florida governor whom the candidates seek to succeed

Part of a bigger story

9 OUTLETS
Donalds and Jolly Dispute Debate Plans in Florida Governor's Race

Donalds’s campaign said it had accepted three proposed debates with David Jolly, who said he would not participate; the campaigns gave differing accounts of the proposals and arrangements. Center outlets describe competing accounts of debate proposals and a failure to agree on arrangements. Right-leaning outlets emphasize Jolly’s refusal and his criticism of Donalds.

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