{"id":2753,"date":"2026-06-19T17:35:24","date_gmt":"2026-06-19T17:35:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southfloridamovingguides.com\/?p=2753"},"modified":"2026-06-19T17:35:24","modified_gmt":"2026-06-19T17:35:24","slug":"not-a-charity-front-runner-donalds-holds-firm-on-strict-gop-governor-debate-benchmarks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southfloridamovingguides.com\/?p=2753","title":{"rendered":"\u2018Not a charity\u2019: Front-runner Donalds holds firm on strict GOP governor debate benchmarks"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

SOUTH MIAMI, Fla. \u2014 U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Florida, made a campaign stop in South Miami on Friday as he seeks the governor\u2019s office.<\/p>\n

Read more Police: Driver faces charges in Hollywood crash that killed scooter rider, injured 2 others<\/a><\/p>\n

Polling currently has Donalds as the front-runner for the Republican nomination and the congressman, who represents the Fort Myers and Naples areas, has been endorsed by President Donald Trump.<\/p>\n

In a one-on-one interview with Local 10 News, he spoke about whether he\u2019d be on the debate stage with the other Republicans seeking the office.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf the race was close and we were battling it out, we\u2019d be debating right now,\u201d Donalds said.<\/p>\n

It certainly isn\u2019t happening at the \u201cSunshine State Showdown\u201d being put on by the Republican Party of Florida. <\/p>\n

The party says candidates must meet three benchmarks to qualify for an official gubernatorial debate: at least 10% in the polls, $10 million raised and 10,000 donors.<\/p>\n

Right now, only Donalds meets all three requirements.<\/p>\n

\u201cCampaigns, like everything else in life, (are) a competition,\u201d Donalds said. \u201cIt\u2019s not a charity. You don\u2019t just get to show up because you have a title or because you think you\u2019re owed anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

Read more Child hospitalized after being pulled from pool in North Lauderdale, first responders say<\/a><\/p>\n

In the past, Donalds has used the phrase \u201cparticipation trophy\u201d surrounding the topic — something one of his competitors, Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, fought against this week, talking about his service as a Green Beret.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat \u2018participation trophy\u2019 line is a bit of a slap in the face,\u201d he said. \u201cThis is my \u2018participation trophy.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

Even Gov. Ron DeSantis says his party\u2019s debate guidelines might be too stringent.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t have qualified when I ran in \u201818 for what they were trying to do,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

But Donalds is holding firm.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe dynamics are totally different and I respect the governor and all that he\u2019s done, but this is not 2018,\u201d he said, having said earlier that \u201cit\u2019s not about \u2018who does it hurt?\u2019, it\u2019s about who\u2019s taking their message to the people of Florida.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Sunshine State showdown is still holding congressional debates and will have forums for all of the gubernatorial candidates to speak individually, but there is no formal debate for them.<\/p>\n

Read more Davie firefighters rescue petting zoo animals after I-75 crash<\/a><\/p>\n

That\u2019s set for June 27 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. <\/p>\n

Local 10 Digital Journalist Chris Gothner contributed to this report.<\/i><\/p>\n

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U.S. Rep. 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