MIAMI — In recent political endeavors, Republican Rep. Byron Donalds from Florida has chosen a more personal approach during Black voter outreach events around Miami. Historically, his political strategy seldom highlighted his race. However, in his current gubernatorial campaign, he aims to connect with Black voters more directly.
In a conversation with CBS News, Donalds acknowledged a targeted effort to garner over 20% of the Black vote. “Many Black voters are evaluating my candidacy, seeking the best leader for Florida’s future,” Donalds expressed. He also noted, “Black voters are beginning to loosen their traditional ties to the Democrat Party.”
For context, data from CBS News exit polls indicates 13% of Black voters supported Gov. Ron DeSantis in the 2022 elections, while former President Trump attracted about 15% of Black votes in Florida in his 2024 campaign.
During Trump’s 2024 presidential run, Donalds served as a prominent advocate for Black voters nationwide. Alongside Rep. Wesley Hunt of Texas, he engaged in “Congress, Cigars & Cognac” events—casual discussions promoting Trump in challenging settings. Now, Donalds employs a similar strategy for his own campaign.
If successful, Donalds would join a small group of Black state executives in U.S. history. Currently, only three governors have been Black. This year, three candidates, including Donalds, are aiming to become the first Black Republican governors.
When inquired about the historical significance of his campaign, Donalds reflected, “It’s wild, honestly,” a rare personal admission for the candidate. In a speech at the Black Professionals Summit’s Legacy Con, he emphasized meritocracy in Florida, stating, “Florida’s diversity stems from various regions. What matters is the ability to perform the duties required.”
While Donalds shared the stage at Legacy Con, Democratic nominee David Jolly did not attend due to a scheduling conflict.
As the campaign approaches its final stretch, Donalds counteracted claims that his minority outreach is a recent or limited effort. His campaign actively engages Black voters in North Miami and Broward County and Hispanic voters in Doral and Hialeah.
Donalds’ alliance with Trump proved divisive. In Miami Gardens, at Lorna’s Caribbean Restaurant, Jermaine Woodside expressed skepticism but grew more receptive after discussing with Donalds, although he cautioned against associating with Trump. “That’s my main hesitation,” Woodside noted.
Residents like Kalyn James remain unswayed. During a meet-and-greet in Overtown, a predominantly Black community, she quietly protested with a sign urging a Democratic vote. James stated, “His historical achievement would be significant, yet misplaced.”
Jasmine Burney-Clark, leading the voting rights group Equal Ground, criticized Donalds for not signing a pledge supporting Democratic-backed voting rights legislation, which Jolly endorsed. She remarked, “Black voters are aware of Donalds’ tactics and manipulation.”
Current polls indicate a competitive race for a position Florida Democrats haven’t secured in decades. For Donalds, reducing the disparity with Black voters intensifies challenges for Democrats seeking the governor’s office.
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