In Miami, Republican Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida has shifted his campaign approach by incorporating his race in his political message as he seeks the governor’s office. This change comes after nine years in Congress where his race was not prominent in his pitch. In a weekend of Black voter outreach events across Miami, Donalds emphasized his own terms and message.
In an interview, Donalds stated, “I’m targeting north of 20% of the Black vote.” His belief is rooted in Black voters seeking the best future leadership for Florida. He noted a shift away from a monolithic tie to the Democratic Party among Black voters.
To provide context, approximately 13% of Black voters supported Gov. Ron DeSantis in his 2022 reelection. President Trump received around 15% of Black votes during his 2024 campaign in Florida. Donalds had been one of Trump’s prominent surrogates to Black voters, co-leading a tour titled “Congress, Cigars & Cognac” with Rep. Wesley Hunt, aimed at promoting Trump in less receptive areas. Now, Donalds uses this approach for his campaign as the main candidate.
If successful, Donalds would join a limited group of Black state executives. Historically, only three have been elected as governors in the U.S. Donalds is one of three nominees this year who could become the first Black Republican governors elected.
Asked about the potential historical significance, Donalds expressed surprised acknowledgment, describing the moment as “wild.” He clarified his campaign’s focus, saying, “I don’t talk about my race in this campaign.” At the Black Professionals Summit’s Legacy Con, he conveyed the importance of meritocracy in Florida, stating, “What they really care about now is: Can you get the job done?”
Legacy Con organizers noted Democratic nominee David Jolly was also invited but had a scheduling conflict. With limited time left in the campaign, Donalds addressed criticism about the freshness or narrowness of his minority outreach by emphasizing a broader voter engagement strategy.
Yet, the reception is mixed. At Lorna’s Caribbean Restaurant in Miami Gardens, voter Jermaine Woodside admitted initial skepticism but openness post-discussion, despite warnings against Donalds’ Trump ties. “That’s going to hurt him,” Woodside stated. Donalds argued voters should assess his stance on issues and gubernatorial goals beyond past Trump endorsements.
On the other hand, Miami’s Kalyn James protested, maintaining that Donalds’ historical win would place him on “the wrong side of history.” Jasmine Burney-Clark of Equal Ground criticized Donalds for not committing to a Democratic-backed state voting rights bill, seeing his events as insincere.
Polls reveal a tight race, yet history shows Democrats haven’t clinched the governor’s office since the 1990s. Donalds understands reducing the gap with Black voters could significantly impact Democrats’ strategy.