Republican Byron Donalds, running for governor in Florida, has recently removed several mentions of President Donald Trump from his campaign website. This change occurs as tightening poll numbers show a competitive race against Democrat David Jolly. Donalds has closely aligned himself with Trump throughout his career and secured Trump’s endorsement in the GOP primary. However, facing a potentially close race against Jolly, a former Republican who left the party over its alignment with Trump, the strategy has shifted.
Florida has leaned more conservative in recent elections, but recent polls indicate a closer race than anticipated. Although Trump won Florida by 13 points in 2024, Democrats see his dropping national approval ratings as an opportunity to extend the electoral battleground in Florida.
Campaign Website Adjustments
Donald’s campaign website was updated, removing multiple references to Trump’s endorsement. As of September 22, the website showcases the slogan “Fighting to defend the Florida dream” and features a video of Donalds with his family at a campaign event. It emphasizes him as a “proven conservative fighter for Florida,” detailing his positions on various issues like affordability, healthcare, and education.
A screen capture from September 3 showed a different website homepage. A banner asked supporters to “Chip in to Support Trump Endorsed Byron Donalds,” with the phrase “Trump Endorsed” highlighted in red. The webpage included pictures of Donalds with his wife Erika, and Trump, with quotes from Trump’s endorsement. Initially, the webpage contained five references to Trump’s backing.
The revised page no longer features photos with Trump. Although Trump’s endorsement remains, it is less prominent and shown alongside endorsements from other conservatives, such as Elon Musk and House Speaker Mike Johnson. References to Trump are limited to two mentions, including his role as a Trump surrogate in the 2024 election.
The campaign has not commented on why references to Trump were reduced. The Miami Herald first reported this change. Jolly reacted by saying, “It wasn’t too long ago Byron called Trump his ‘daddy’ and gave Trump an A rating on the economy. I’m sure he still stands by that and fully expect the two will campaign together in Florida. I certainly hope they do.”
White House and Trump’s Role
A White House spokesperson emphasized Trump’s influential role, stating, “Trump is the unequivocal leader, best messenger, and unmatched motivator for the Republican Party, and he is committed to maintaining Republican majorities in Congress.”
The spokesperson continued, “The choice is clear: doubling down on Trump’s winning agenda or the Democrats’ policies and obstruction.”
Polls and Election Insights
Recent polls suggest a competitive race between Donalds and Jolly. A St. Pete Polls survey indicated a statistical tie, with Donalds supported by 44% of respondents and Jolly by 43%. Conducted from September 15 to September 17, it had a margin of error of 3.2 percentage points. A Change Research poll showed Jolly holding a 3-point lead, 47% to 44%, surveying 1,107 likely voters from September 7 to September 9.
Conversely, Donalds led in a James Madison Institute poll, 45% to 38%, surveying 1,026 likely voters from July 20 to July 26. A University of North Florida poll showed Donalds with a 5-point advantage, 46% to 41%, conducted among 848 likely voters from July 8 to July 17.
Republican Strategies Regarding Trump
Some Republicans distance themselves from Trump as midterms near. In Kentucky, Representative Andy Barr, a Senate candidate, removed Trump references from his website. Barr’s spokesperson, Alex Bellizzi, stated he looks forward to “fighting for Kentucky alongside Trump.” Representative Young Kim, seeking reelection in California, also updated her site, removing Trump mentions.
In Florida, Representative María Elvira Salazar became critical of Trump’s immigration policies while campaigning in a Miami-Dade district, saying, “Mr. President, some of your immigration efforts have gone too far. In July, 50% of the 50,000 detained had no criminal record.” Representative Ashley Hinson, running for Senate in Iowa with Trump’s endorsement, called for an immediate end to the Iran conflict to alleviate rising fuel prices.
Trump’s Approval Ratings
Trump’s approval has reached record lows in recent polls. An American Research Poll found his lowest ratings yet, with only 29% positive responses, and 68% disapproving of his performance, surveying 1,100 adults from September 16 to September 20. A YouGov and The Economist poll had Trump with 35% approval and 62% disapproval, surveying 1,401 registered voters from September 18 to September 21. A Reuters/Ipsos poll showed his approval at 32%, with 66% disapproval, among 1,277 voters from September 17 to September 20.
Future Developments
Forecasters still give Donalds an edge. The Cook Political Report rates the race as Likely Republican, while Sabato’s Crystal Ball considers it Lean Republican. Jolly has opted out of debating Donalds. More voting information will be released after October 4, per the Florida Secretary of State’s office.
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