Florida’s Republican gubernatorial candidates held a live-streamed debate on Thursday, though the party’s clear front-runner, U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, opted not to attend. The event, hosted by conservative commentator Patrick Bet-David after mainstream networks declined to air it, featured Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, investor James Fishback, and former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner.
Donalds, who holds a significant polling lead and an endorsement from former President Donald Trump, has consistently declined to debate his primary opponents. He has characterized such requests as seeking “participation trophies,” stating he would not legitimize the campaigns of rivals trailing him by double digits. His absence dominated the discourse, with participants criticizing the decision as disrespectful to voters.
During the two-hour session, the candidates focused on policy disputes and internal party conflicts. A notable exchange occurred between Collins and Fishback, centered on a lawsuit Collins filed challenging Fishback’s residency qualifications. The candidates also debated state intervention in AI data centers, with Fishback calling for total removal and Collins advocating for local government control. The participants were unified in their criticism of Donalds, arguing that voters deserve a transparent contest before the August 18 primary.