Changes in Campaign Strategy

Republican candidate Byron Donalds, running for governor in Florida, has made alterations on his campaign website. References to President Donald Trump’s endorsement have been removed, as recent polls indicate a tightening race against Democrat David Jolly.

Throughout his career, Donalds closely aligned with Trump, gaining the former president’s endorsement in the Republican primary. However, facing a potentially competitive race against Jolly, a former Republican who left the party over Trump-related policies, Donalds has quietly shifted his online campaign presence.

Adjustments on Campaign Website

On Donalds’ updated website, launched as of September 22, the focus shifts to a slogan, “Fighting to defend the Florida dream.” A video of Donalds with his family at a campaign event accompanies descriptions of him as a “proven conservative fighter for Florida.” Issues such as affordability, healthcare, and education take center stage.

Earlier, a screen grab from September 3 showcased a different message. It featured a banner soliciting support with the phrase “Chip in to Support Trump Endorsed Byron Donalds,” highlighted in red. Photographs and quotes from Trump’s endorsement were prominent. At that point, the webpage contained five references to Trump’s endorsement.

The revised page no longer features Trump’s images prominently. References to Trump’s support are present but less dominant. A banner now displays endorsements from several personalities, including Elon Musk and House Speaker Mike Johnson. Donalds is highlighted as a Trump surrogate in the 2024 election, but mentions of Trump are limited.

The Miami Herald broke the news about these changes, and Donalds’ campaign has not clarified their reasons.

David Jolly’s Response

Democratic opponent David Jolly noted these changes, recalling Donalds’ past statements of admiration for Trump. He commented to Newsweek, expressing hope that Donalds and Trump would campaign together in Florida.

Newsweek contacted Donalds’ campaign for further comment via email.

White House Perspective

In response to these developments, a White House spokesperson reiterated Trump’s role as a key figure in the Republican Party. According to the spokesperson, Trump remains a significant force behind maintaining Republican majorities and advancing his agenda as opposed to what they described as extreme Democratic policies.

Polling Insights

Recent polls depict a competitive race between Donalds and Jolly. A St. Pete Polls survey, conducted from September 15 to September 17, showed Donalds with 44 percent and Jolly with 43 percent support. The margin of error was plus or minus 3.2 percentage points.

A Change Research poll indicated Jolly leading with 47 percent over Donalds’ 44 percent. This survey included 1,107 likely voters from September 7 to September 9.

Conversely, a poll from the James Madison Institute showed Donalds ahead with 45 percent, compared to Jolly’s 38 percent, among 1,026 voters surveyed in July.

Further, the University of North Florida poll reflected a 5-point lead for Donalds, polling 46 percent versus Jolly’s 41 percent, with 848 likely voters surveyed in July.

Republican Distancing from Trump

Some Republicans have begun distancing themselves from Trump ahead of upcoming midterm elections. For example, Representative Andy Barr, running in Kentucky, has removed Trump references from his website. However, Barr’s spokesperson expressed eagerness to work alongside Trump if elected.

Representative Young Kim in California and María Elvira Salazar in Florida have taken similar steps. Salazar publicly critiqued Trump’s immigration policies, indicating where she differs.

In Iowa, Representative Ashley Hinson diverged from Trump’s stance on foreign policy, advocating against involvement in the Iran conflict due to economic concerns.

Trump’s Approval Ratings

Trump’s approval ratings have reached low points in recent polls. An American Research Poll revealed only 29 percent approval and 68 percent disapproval among 1,100 adults surveyed from September 16 to September 20.

A YouGov and The Economist poll showed 35 percent approval against 62 percent disapproval, with 1,401 registered voters surveyed from September 18 to September 21.

Reuters/Ipsos reflected 32 percent approval with 66 percent disapproval, based on responses from 1,277 voters between September 17 to September 20.

Forecasts and Future Steps

Despite an apparent closely contested race, forecasters continue to see Donalds with an edge. The Cook Political Report categorizes the race as Likely Republican, while Sabato’s Crystal Ball labels it Lean Republican.

Jolly has opted against debating Donalds. More details on voting procedures are expected post-October 4, as informed by the Florida secretary of state office.