Byron Donalds sees Black voters going Republican in Governor’s race if he is nominated

U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds could make history in November, being elected as the first Black Governor in the state of Florida if he secures the Republican nomination and is successful in a General Election.

During an interview with Officer Tatum, Donalds discussed the momentum behind his campaign and his unique ability to make inroads among Black voters even as he consolidates support within the GOP.

“Yeah, we’ve actually been seeing a lot of love out there. I think there are people who, you know, they’re Black, they live in Florida. They’ve kind of been watching for a while and and now that we’re taking this step, they’re saying, you know what? Let me pay attention a little bit more. Let me hear what he has to say.”

While the historical aspect is important, Donalds said policy also matters.

“When we campaign, we’re talking about insurance. We’re talking about health care. We’re talking about education, about these policies that really impact people’s lives. And, you know, I think when people are hearing that, especially when Black voters are hearing that, they’re saying, ‘Okay, you know what? He is talking about things that matter in my life as well, not just political talking points,” he said.

Donalds says that non-Republicans are saying they like what they see from him.

“This morning … I had a breakfast meeting in Tampa before I came back up to D.C. And I’m getting ready to leave, and it was husband and wife, a Black couple about our age, and they stopped me and they were just like, ‘Hey, we just want to let you know we’ve been watching. We love what you’re about. We’re not Republicans, we’re independents, but we love what you’re about, and we look forward to being able to vote for you.”

He’s also confident he won’t have to dilute his message in making his case to the Black community.

“People are respecting more and more that I haven’t watered down conservatism. I’m not changing policies. I’m not trying to switch up. I’m still a conservative. I still believe what I believe in, and we talk about it every single day, and I think what’s happening in the Black community is people are finding a way to trust in that and say, ‘You know what, at least he’s consistent. He’s not going to try to tell us one thing because it’s an election. And then when he gets in, he’s going to do something else. He’s been very consistent on all these things,’ and I think they appreciate that as well.”

Race has been a subtext in the Republican Primary, as candidate James Fishback has sounded dog-whistles other candidates have refused to criticize. But polling and other metrics of the race show Donalds transcending appeals to prejudice. And from what he said on this podcast, he’s finding ways to bring people into the GOP Big Tent that otherwise might not consider it.