On September 20, 2026, Democratic candidate for Florida governor David Jolly announced that he will not take part in a debate with his Republican opponent Byron Donalds. Jolly said he cannot debate a liar, and therefore will not appear in any scheduled discussion with Donalds.
The decision comes as the race for Florida’s top executive office has drawn attention to a potential debate between the two nominees. Organizers had been working toward a public forum where both candidates could present their platforms to voters. Jolly’s statement effectively removes him from that process.
Byron Donalds, the Republican nominee, has not yet issued a response to Jolly’s refusal. The campaign teams for both candidates have been active in the final weeks of the campaign, traveling across the state and holding separate events to court undecided voters.
Jolly’s announcement was made through a public statement released to the media on the day of the decision. He framed his refusal as a matter of principle, emphasizing that he would not engage in a debate with someone he described as dishonest.
The debate discussion had been part of broader conversations about how the candidates would communicate their policies on issues such as education, health care, and the state economy. With Jolly stepping back, the possibility of a joint appearance appears unlikely unless new arrangements are made.
Election officials have noted that participation in debates is not a requirement for ballot qualification, and the campaign continues to move forward toward the November election. Voters will still have the opportunity to compare the candidates through campaign advertisements, town halls, and other public events scheduled in the coming weeks.
The Florida governor’s race remains a closely watched contest, with both parties seeking to secure the office in a state that has been a focal point for national political attention.