Story perspectives

Jolly Skips Debate, Leaving Florida Governor Race Without Televised Debate

By Drooid · Sep 25, 2026, 3:28 PM UTC · How we work

Center

First Debate Free Race

Democratic candidate David Jolly announced on Sept. 20 he will not debate Republican nominee Byron Donalds for Florida governor.
The decision creates the first Florida gubernatorial race without a televised debate since 1974.
St. Pete Polls shows Donalds at 44% and Jolly at 43%, a statistical tie.
Campaign filings reveal Donalds’ campaign raised about $120.9 million versus Jolly’s $14.6 million.
Donalds scheduled three debate events—Sept. 29, Oct. 13, Oct. 22—each without a live audience or voter questions.

Right

Lobbying Claim Debunked

Democratic candidate David Jolly announced on Sept. 20 he will not debate Republican nominee Byron Donalds in the Florida governor’s race.
Donalds says Jolly is skipping the debate to dodge accountability for frequent reversals on abortion, immigration and healthcare.
Jolly’s campaign says Donalds controls debate schedule and moderation, limiting constructive dialogue.
PolitiFact rated Jolly’s claim of never lobbying for offshore drilling ‘Mostly False,’ citing 2011 activity.

Blindspot

Donalds’ campaign and affiliated committees have raised approximately $120.9 million, compared with roughly $14.6 million raised by Jolly’s campaign, according to finance filings through Sept. 11.
Within this story's sources, this angle appears mainly in Center-leaning coverage and receives less attention in Right-leaning coverage.

History

Historical Context

Florida’s campaign culture shifted from the 1974 gubernatorial race—where incumbent Reubin Askew became the first governor to receive over one million votes—to the 1994 televised debates and the 2026 Republican-party debate cancellations that imposed a $10 million fundraising threshold. Today, Democrat David Jolly’s refusal to debate Byron Donalds occurs amid a $120.9 million versus $14.6 million fundraising gap, highlighting escalating financial divides.

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First Debate Free Race

Democratic candidate David Jolly announced on Sept. 20 he will not debate Republican nominee Byron Donalds for Florida governor.
The decision creates the first Florida gubernatorial race without a televised debate since 1974.
St. Pete Polls shows Donalds at 44% and Jolly at 43%, a statistical tie.
Campaign filings reveal Donalds’ campaign raised about $120.9 million versus Jolly’s $14.6 million.
Donalds scheduled three debate events—Sept. 29, Oct. 13, Oct. 22—each without a live audience or voter questions.

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