Byron Donalds dismisses GOP debate calls in Florida governor race

Rep. Byron Donalds is brushing aside pressure to take part in debates with his Republican opponents in Florida’s governor race, saying the candidates trailing him in the polls should focus on campaigning instead. Donalds, who entered the race with backing from President Donald Trump, said his rivals remain in the single digits while he continues to lead the field ahead of the Aug. 18 primary. He also pointed to his fundraising advantage, saying his campaign has brought in more than $90 million. His opponents, including Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, former House Speaker Paul Renner and investor James Fishback, have argued that voters should get a direct comparison between the candidates. Fishback recently tried to interrupt one of Donalds’ campaign events to press the debate issue and said he has been holding more voter events than Donalds. Donalds dismissed that confrontation as a stunt.