Full Breakdown
Byron Donalds vs. David Jolly: Energy, Climate and Tax Policy in the 2026 Florida Gubernatorial Race
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
The 2026 Florida governor’s race pits Republican U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds against Democratic former U.S. Rep. David Jolly. Election Day is November 3. Both candidates are touring the state in the final month, presenting divergent visions on energy, climate, and property-tax relief.
Background & Context
Donalds previously represented Florida’s 19th district and served in the state House; he has Trump’s endorsement. Jolly, a former Republican who switched parties in 2025, emphasizes public-education funding and reallocating tourism-tax dollars to schools.
Energy & Climate Policy Positions
| Issue | Byron Donalds (R) | David Jolly (D) |
|---|---|---|
| Climate change | Dismisses the scientific consensus, saying the “science is not settled” during a July 12 2023 hearing. | Calls for a cap on utility return-on-equity (RoE) and supports renewable-energy development. |
| Energy mix | Advocates nuclear as the primary “green” source, opposes “spiky intermittent” wind and solar, and voted for the GRID Power Act that prioritizes dispatchable projects. | Supports capping utility RoE; no detailed alternative plan offered. |
| Legislative record | Voted against the 2021 “Climate Risk Disclosure Act” and introduced legislation to let Wall Street firms exclude ESG proposals. | No record of opposing climate legislation. |
| Campaign financing | CLEO Institute reports $1.79 million from major power utilities and $5 million from data-center developers; CAP notes $150,071 from anti-climate groups. | No comparable utility or data-center contributions reported. |
Offshore Drilling Advertising Dispute
Fact-checkers rate the claim as mostly false. Jolly’s lobbying firm earned $30,000 from a pro-drilling client in 2011; the $5 million figure reflects total billings across all clients. Jolly’s congressional record shows opposition to offshore drilling and a 2015 bipartisan effort to extend the federal drilling ban.
Property-Tax Amendment (Amendment 3)
Donalds supports Amendment 3, arguing it would aid seniors and working families. Jolly cautions that the amendment could worsen a fiscal “crisis” if passed.
Official Statements & Responses
- Donalds framed his campaign as “Defending the Florida Dream,” emphasizing low taxes, limited regulation and a “tough-on-crime” approach.
- He expressed respect for whatever outcome voters choose regarding Amendment 3.
On-the-Ground Reports
- Donalds held rallies in Kissimmee, Lakewood Ranch and Port St. Lucie, campaigning alongside former U.S. Ambassador Rahm Emanuel in Coconut Creek.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Contribution figures differ: CLEO’s $1.79 million from utilities versus CAP’s $150,071 from anti-climate groups; both are accurate within their scopes but not directly comparable.
- Jolly’s lobbying activities are described both as “attendance at a meeting” and “over-compliance” with disclosure rules, leaving uncertainty about his advocacy for offshore drilling.
What’s Next
Voter registration closes in early October, and early voting begins later that month. Both campaigns plan additional statewide stops before Election Day, with Donalds promising town-hall events and Jolly focusing on education and tax-policy messaging. The outcome of Amendment 3 will be decided simultaneously with the governor’s race on November 3.