In a bold and unapologetic response to recent attacks, Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL) has not only challenged Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) to a public debate over policy—but also made headlines by officially announcing his run to become the first Black Governor of Florida.
The clash began after Rep. Crockett took aim at Donalds during a public appearance on the Breakfast Club, questioning his grasp of Black history and making personal remarks about his interracial marriage. “The fact that you sitting around talking about life was better under Jim Crow—like, is this because you don’t understand history?” Crockett asked. “Or literally because you married a white woman and so you think that that whitewashed you?”
Donalds fired back without hesitation, denouncing the comments as both personal and racially divisive. “First and foremost—don’t talk about my wife. Keep my wife out of this. Ain’t got nothing to do with her,” he said. “You can talk to me about policy anytime you want to.”
But Donalds didn’t stop there. In the same statement, he called out Crockett for dodging previous opportunities to debate him directly. “There were a couple of times on the campaign trail last year where I was booked to be on stage or to be in a debate with Jasmine—and all of a sudden her schedule changed,” he said. “If she wants to do this, I’m easy to find. I’m 6’2”—you can’t miss me.”
Highlighting what he sees as racial double standards within the Democratic Party, Donalds continued:
“They don’t have a problem when Kamala Harris is married to a white man or when Ketanji Brown Jackson is married to a white man—as long as they follow the script of the political left. But if you’re a conservative, and your spouse is of another race, then suddenly it’s an issue. That’s the kind of racism that hides inside the Democrat Party—and I’m sick of it.”
Donalds also emphasized that he doesn’t rely on scripted rhetoric or political handlers. “I don’t use talking points. Nobody tells me what to say,” he stated. “I come with facts, I use logic, and I bring economic analysis to the table. If you’ve got an issue with my views, let’s settle it publicly—any show, any stage. I’m ready.”.
“I’m not just here to clap back. I’m here to lead,” Donalds declared. “Florida deserves strong, principled leadership that’s rooted in faith, family, and freedom—and I’m stepping forward to deliver just that. I’m running to be the next Governor of Florida.”
Donalds’ announcement instantly shifted the conversation, signaling that he’s ready to take his political vision beyond Congress and into the executive leadership of one of the most influential states in the nation. If elected, he would make history—while continuing to challenge both political parties on issues of race, conservatism, and the future of Black leadership in America.
Now the question remains: Will Jasmine Crockett accept the debate? And how will Florida—and the nation—respond to Donalds’ bold new move?
