Byron Donalds, the Republican nominee for Florida governor in the upcoming November midterm elections, substantially revised his campaign website on Tuesday, removing nearly all mentions of Donald Trump and deleting a photograph featuring the congressman alongside the president, according to reporting by the Miami Herald based on website tracking data.
The changes mark a reversal from Donalds’ previous campaign strategy, which heavily emphasized his endorsement by and close relationship with Trump. Prior to the alterations, his website described him as a “Trump-endorsed proven conservative fighter” and prominently featured Trump’s endorsement announcements. Multiple fundraising banners advertising Trump’s support were also removed during the overhaul.
The shift occurs as Trump’s overall approval rating has fallen below 30% for the first time, driven by public dissatisfaction with his handling of the economy and the Iran war. Republicans are preparing for significant losses in November contests, with the potential loss of party majorities in both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate. Election forecaster Sabato’s Crystal Ball moved the open Florida governor’s race from “likely Republican” to “leans Republican,” citing close polling, an unfavorable political environment, and possible voter fatigue with prolonged Republican control.
Donalds secured the Republican gubernatorial nomination in August and has represented southwest Florida in Congress since 2021. A Republican strategist told Politico that multiple GOP candidates across November races are distancing themselves from Trump as ballots have already been sent out in some states with fewer than 40 days remaining before Election Day. The Florida Democratic Party responded to the website changes with criticism, contending that Donalds is attempting to obscure his record of supporting the president’s policies.
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