Byron Donalds and David Jolly Clash Over Transgender Rights in Florida Governor Race

Republican Representative Byron Donalds has positioned opposition to transgender rights at the forefront of his campaign for Florida governor, emerging as the frontrunner in the GOP primary. Democratic former congressman David Jolly, the party’s leading candidate, is being attacked for his support of gender-affirming care and for allowing transgender youth to compete in sports. The dispute has turned the election into a high-profile debate over medical treatment for minors and athletic participation policies.

The Advocate

Donalds repeatedly denounces gender-affirming care, citing a mischaracterized shift by the American Medical Association (AMA) and pointing to European nations that “have stopped this practice.” He has praised anti-trans activists such as Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham and former swimmer Riley Gaines.

The Advocate

Jolly acknowledges that athletes assigned male at birth should not compete in women’s sports, but he opposes sweeping governmental bans. He argues that local co-ed youth leagues should not be restricted by the governor. Jolly also defends parents’ right to decide on gender-affirming care, a stance that earned him the endorsement of the Equality Florida Action PAC.

The Advocate

Following Donalds’ claim of an AMA policy change, the association issued a statement to *The Advocate* reaffirming that decisions about gender-affirming care should be made jointly by parents, families, and medical professionals when such care is deemed “medically necessary.” The AMA’s clarification directly contradicts Donalds’ portrayal of a consensus against the practice.

The Advocate

Donalds frames his opposition as “common sense” rather than a “culture war,” positioning himself as a defender of traditional values. Jolly’s more nuanced approach seeks to balance concerns about competitive fairness with parental autonomy, a position that could attract moderate voters while drawing criticism from the Republican base. The clash highlights how transgender-related policies are shaping Florida’s gubernatorial contest and may influence broader national debates on the issue.

The Advocate

• “David Jolly still thinks it's okay to transgender kids. This is sick to me. I don't even understand this,” — Byron Donalds

The Advocate

• “Look, if a 10- or 12-year-old soccer league in the community has a coed team, I don’t think the governor should be throwing a flag on the field,” — David Jolly

The Advocate