SCOTT JEWETT CALLS ON DONALDS AND JOLLY TO DEBATE AS FLORIDA GOVERNOR’S RACE REMAINS CLOSE
Libertarian nominee says Florida voters deserve to hear all qualified candidates discuss affordability, property taxes, insurance, housing and wealth creation.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Scott Jewett, Libertarian candidate for Governor of Florida, is calling on Republican nominee Byron Donalds and Democratic nominee David Jolly to join him on the debate stage and give Florida voters the opportunity to compare the candidates directly. Recent polling shows that voters are deeply divided between the candidates. This situation resembles the close 2018 election where Governor Ron DeSantis won by a narrow margin of 32,000 votes. At least three university debate forums across Florida are available.
“The polling shows just how closely divided Florida can be,” Jewett said. “When the two major-party candidates are separated by only a few points — or fractions of a point — the voters looking for an alternative can have an enormous impact on the direction of this state.”
Recent polling has repeatedly shown a competitive race between the Republican and Democratic nominees.
St. Pete Polls — September 15–17: Donalds 43.5%, Jolly 43.4%. A difference of just one-tenth of one percentage point.
Change Research — September 7–9: Jolly 47%, Donalds 44%. Statistical tie.
Hart Research Associates — August 10–13: Jolly 46%, Donalds 45%. Statistical tie.
The situation recalls Florida’s extraordinarily close 2018 gubernatorial election. Governor Ron DeSantis won by only 32,463 votes statewide, approximately four-tenths of one percentage point.
That history matters in 2026 because Floridians who identify with Jewett’s message on affordability, economic freedom and wealth creation represent a potentially consequential constituency in a closely divided election.
“Florida voters should never be told that their only choices are Republican or Democrat,” Jewett said. “If you care about the cost of your home, your insurance, your taxes, your business and how much of your paycheck you actually get to keep, then you deserve to hear what all three candidates have to say.”
Jewett is inviting Donalds and Jolly to join him before Florida voters at three university debate forums.
October 5 – Stetson University, Deland
October 12 – Florida A&M University, Tallahassee
October 15 – Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton
“Come debate me,” Jewett said. “Let’s stand on the same stage, take the same questions and explain what we would actually do as Governor. Then let Florida voters decide.”
ABOUT SCOTT JEWETT
Scott Jewett is the Libertarian candidate for Governor of Florida. A successful businessman, Jewett is campaigning on making Florida affordable again through lower taxes, greater competition, property rights, economic freedom, limited government and policies designed to make it easier for Floridians to create and retain wealth.
Learn more: https://scottjewett.com/
Media Contact:
Scott Jewett for Florida Governor
Lacey Price
Campaign Manager for Scott Jewett
850-598-9128