Key facts
- Byron Donalds, a Republican candidate for Florida governor, is attempting to distance himself from Donald Trump.
- Donalds has removed references to Trump from his campaign website.
- Donald Trump is scheduled to campaign in Florida shortly before the election.
- Donalds stated he will attend Trump's rally.
- Polls indicate a tightening race in Florida, with some shifts in Hispanic and Black voter support.
Florida Republican gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds is navigating a delicate campaign strategy by downplaying his association with President Donald Trump. Despite being a staunch supporter, Donalds has removed mentions of Trump from his campaign website and largely avoids invoking his name on the trail, a move analysts suggest is a calculated tactic to appeal to a broader electorate while retaining his base. This strategy faces a test as Trump is set to campaign in Florida shortly before the election, an event Donalds has confirmed he will attend. The race is seen as tightening, with polls indicating shifts in voter support among Hispanic and Black communities.