# Byron Donalds Campaign Attacks David Jolly Over LGBTQ+ PAC Endorsement
*Republican gubernatorial candidate criticizes rival's support from Equality Florida Action PAC, highlighting cultural divides ahead of November election.*

- Medio: Civic Coast News (https://civiccoastnews.com)
- URL: https://civiccoastnews.com/noticia/byron-donalds-campaign-attacks-david-jolly-over-lgbtq-pac-endorsement
- Sección: Politics
- Autor: Civic Coast News Staff
- Publicado: 2026-08-16T07:23:25.942Z
> The Byron Donalds campaign issued a statement criticizing Republican gubernatorial candidate David Jolly following his endorsement from Equality Florida Action PAC. The attack highlights deep cultural divisions within the GOP primary contest for Florida's highest office.

## Las claves

- The Byron Donalds campaign criticized rival David Jolly for receiving an endorsement from Equality Florida Action PAC.
- This political conflict occurred in Tampa, Florida, during the 2026 gubernatorial primary race.
- Donalds predicts he will defeat Jolly on November 3rd by appealing to conservative voters.

TAMPA, Fla. — The campaign for Republican gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds has launched a sharp critique against rival David Jolly following an endorsement received from the Equality Florida Action PAC. According to statements released by the Donalds camp, the political action committee endorsed Jolly specifically because he "has vocally defended the rights of parents to access health care for their transgender children." This development marks a significant escalation in the cultural warfare narrative defining the 2026 Florida gubernatorial race.

### Contrasting Policy Positions on Transgender Rights

The Donalds campaign characterized Equality Florida as a "far-left organization," pointing to its published materials which include guides for "in-school transitions," resources for "discussing gender with kids," and booklists designed for "LGBTQ+ inclusive schools." In their press release, the Donalds team argued that Jolly has consistently opposed measures limiting transition-related procedures for minors. The campaign noted that Jolly previously described legislation restricting such care as "draconian" and advocated for allowing transgender athletes to participate in sports categories corresponding with their gender identity, as reported by [CBS News](https://cbsnews.com).

To bolster its argument against Jolly’s stance, the Donalds campaign referenced a Pew Research Center analysis indicating that 73% of Americans express discomfort with transgender athletes competing on teams that do not align with their sex assigned at birth. This statistical reference serves to frame Jolly’s positions as out of step with broader American public opinion regarding youth sports and healthcare policies, as this newspaper reported in [Florida Governor Race](/noticia/florida-governor-race-david-jolly-challenges-byron-donalds).

### Strategic Framing of the Election

Gates McGavick, communications director for the Byron Donalds campaign, framed this endorsement as a clear point of contrast between the two candidates. "David Jolly is earning endorsements from groups that encourage gender surgeries for kids," McGavick stated in the release. He continued by highlighting Donalds' support base: "Byron Donalds is earning endorsements from sheriffs, farmers, and small business owners." The campaign concluded with a direct prediction of victory, asserting that "Jolly’s running a California campaign in the free state of Florida" and that Donalds will soundly defeat him on November 3rd, as we reported in [Florida Governor Race](/noticia/florida-governor-race-david-jolly-challenges-byron-donalds).

This strategic messaging underscores the intense competition within the Republican primary. By focusing heavily on social issues and cultural alignment, the Donalds operation aims to solidify support among conservative voters who prioritize traditional values in healthcare and education policy. The clash over Equality Florida’s endorsement highlights the diverging approaches of the two candidates as they seek to secure the party's nomination for governor.
---
Fuente original: https://civiccoastnews.com/noticia/byron-donalds-campaign-attacks-david-jolly-over-lgbtq-pac-endorsement