Ashley Moody, Byron Donalds make it a ticket in everything but name

Florida Republicans aren’t waiting for the Primary to print the bumper stickers.

U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody and U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, both seen as the leading Republican contenders for Florida’s top statewide offices, are joining forces. The campaigns announced a slate of joint appearances, mutual endorsements, and grassroots events aimed at consolidating support before the General Election in November.

“Floridians deserve strong, principled leadership that puts our state first. I am proud to endorse my friend Byron Donalds,” Moody said. “He is a proven conservative leader who will fight to make Florida safer, healthier, and more affordable as Governor. I have worked with Byron in Tallahassee and in Washington to cut taxes, stop illegal immigration, lower the cost of prescription medicines, and hold government accountable.”

Donalds, for his part, returned the favor.

“Florida is fortunate to have a fighter like Sen. Ashley Moody representing Floridians,” Donalds said. “Her proven leadership as Attorney General and now as a United States Senator makes her the right choice to continue serving our state. I am proud to endorse Sen. Ashley Moody for re-election to the United States Senate. Let’s keep her fighting for the Free State of Florida!”

Both campaigns say the joint events will spotlight public safety, education, economic growth, and issues important to seniors. The goal is to draw sharp contrasts with the Democratic field.

Neither needs much of an introduction.

Donalds, who represents Naples in Congress, entered the Governor’s race in early 2025 with the backing of former President Donald Trump. His campaign reported raising $22.2 million in the first quarter, a record for a non-incumbent gubernatorial candidate in Florida, and has now topped $67 million overall. Donalds has qualified for the ballot and picked up endorsements from groups like the Florida Farm Bureau’s FarmPAC and several legislative leaders. A former state Representative with a background in finance, Donalds would be Florida’s first Black Governor if elected. He faces a Primary field that includes Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, former House Speaker Paul Renner, and businessman James Fishback, but Trump’s endorsement and fundraising have made him the candidate to beat.

Moody, a fifth-generation Floridian, former federal prosecutor, and former Hillsborough Circuit Judge, served six years as Attorney General. During her tenure, she helped secure billions in opioid settlements for the state. Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed her to the U.S. Senate seat after Marco Rubio became Secretary of State. Moody was sworn in on Jan. 21, 2025, received Trump’s endorsement last summer, and has qualified for the Special Election to complete the final two years of Rubio’s term.

On the Democratic side, former Republican Congressman David Jolly is leading the field for Governor, with former U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham as his running mate. The Senate race for Democrats remains unsettled after teacher Josh Weil, who raised significant sums in a Special Election earlier this cycle, withdrew due to a medical issue.

Whoever emerges from the Democratic contests will face a Republican ticket now running as a coordinated team.

The Primary Election is set for Tuesday, Aug. 18, with voter registration closing on July 20. The General Election follows on Tuesday, Nov. 3, with registration closing Oct. 5.

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— Ed. Note: This story was drafted with assistance from AI. Editorial judgment, sourcing, and final review were performed by Peter Schorsch and the Florida Politics editorial team.