Politics
John Stemberger: In defense of Byron Donalds
I have proudly endorsed Byron Donalds for Governor. But this is not a distant political endorsement.
I’ve known Byron and his family for many years. I’ve been in Byron’s home. I have shared meals with his family and children. I’ve known his wife, Erika, personally for years and served alongside her on the Florida Constitution Revision Commission for two years.
They are, in my view, one of the strongest conservative couples in public life. Erika is an exceptional advocate for educational freedom, school choice and classical education. For years, Byron has served as a youth leader in his church. Their conversion to the Christian faith, commitment to family and conservative convictions are genuine — not manufactured for a campaign.
Before he entered Congress, when he was serving in the Florida Legislature, I held a news conference in his District and endorsed him in a crowded Primary for the congressional seat he now holds. I remember telling my interns that Summer to watch this man closely because he had the potential to become one of the nation’s most significant public leaders. I still believe that today.
Recently, Byron has become the target of a growing number of totally unfair criticisms and bogus online attacks. Some focus on his congressional record, suggesting he “didn’t accomplish much” or missed too many votes (3.2%). In the final months of his campaign for Governor, Ron DeSantis missed 43 of 80 House votes (53.8%). DeSantis himself was not remembered as a transformational figure during his time in Congress. His opportunity to demonstrate extraordinary leadership came when he became Florida’s chief executive. That is when his conservative vision truly took shape.
I believe Byron Donalds deserves the same opportunity.
Some have also expressed concern about issues such as the growth of AI data centers and their impact on Florida’s electrical grid. Those concerns deserve thoughtful discussion, but not fear-driven rhetoric. State and federal policymakers are already working to ensure that major industrial users bear the costs associated with increased demand on infrastructure. Serious policy questions deserve serious debate — not political scare tactics.
What concerns me most, however, is the willingness of some to traffic in vicious rumors, innuendo and unsubstantiated personal attacks. In today’s social media environment, accusations can spread around the world long before anyone asks whether they are true. There are so many new blogs, websites and X accounts claiming to be news sources, run by paid hit men willing to print all manner of nonsense and even outright slander. Conservatives, of all people, should reject guilt by accusation and insist on facts from reputable sources rather than gossip.
I have tremendous respect for the other candidates, former House Speaker Paul Renner and Lt. Gov. Jay Collins. They are accomplished public servants who have contributed greatly to Florida’s success.
But James Fishback is a very slick and divisive figure who is engaged in a horrible and slanderous attack on Byron and his family. Fishback should be publicly condemned for this last-minute, brutal and despicable attack that feels very much like Clarence Thomas 2.0.
What should have no place in our politics is the reckless destruction of reputations through unverified allegations and personal smears. Campaigns should be contests of ideas, records and vision — not character assassination. It’s sad to see so many on social media believe everything they read.
I’ve known the man behind the headlines. I know his family. I know what they believe. I trust him.
As Republicans prepare to choose Florida’s next Governor, I hope they will evaluate Byron Donalds based on his principles, his vision and his proven commitment to conservative values — not on internet rumors or political theatrics.
I remain confident that Byron Donalds will earn the trust of Florida voters and continue the strong conservative leadership that has made our state the model for the nation.
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John Stemberger is an attorney, author, president of Liberty Counsel Action and founder of the Florida Family Policy Council. He is a national conservative leader and a pro-life advocate.
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