Republican Florida gubernatorial candidate Rep. Byron Donalds has updated his campaign website to remove multiple references to President Donald Trump, according to recent reporting. The changes follow a broader trend among some GOP candidates distancing themselves from Trump amid declining approval ratings ahead of the midterm elections.
On September 22, 2025, Donalds’ campaign relaunched his website with a new slogan, “Fighting to defend the Florida dream,” featuring a video of Donalds with his family at a campaign event. The updated page describes him as a “proven conservative fighter for Florida” and outlines his positions on affordability, healthcare, and education. No photographs of Donalds with Trump or direct references to Trump’s endorsement appear on the current site.
In contrast, a September 3 screen grab of the homepage showed a banner asking supporters to “Chip in to Support Trump Endorsed Byron Donalds,” with the phrase “Trump Endorsed” highlighted in red. The page also included a photograph of Donalds with his wife, Erika Donalds, labeled “Trump-Endorsed Proven Conservative Fighter,” and a photograph of Trump with a quote from his endorsement of Donalds. Five references to Trump’s endorsement were present on the earlier version.
Donalds responded to scrutiny over the changes in a social media post, stating, “I am proud to have President Trump’s endorsement. While everyone is focused on our website, check out our policy proposals to make life more affordable for Floridians.”
The adjustments align with similar actions taken by other Republican candidates amid Trump’s declining national approval ratings and a tightening race in Florida. Polls indicate a closer-than-expected contest between Donalds and his Democratic opponent, David Jolly, a former Republican who left the party over its embrace of Trump.
Context: Trump’s Endorsement and Electoral Shifts
Trump endorsed Donalds in early 2025, calling on him to “RUN, BYRON, RUN!” in a public statement. The endorsement was prominently featured on Donalds’ initial campaign materials, including buttons and labels emphasizing his status as a “Trump-Endorsed Proven Conservative Fighter.”
However, as Trump’s approval ratings have fallen in the final stretch of the midterm campaign season, some Republicans have sought to distance themselves from the president. Florida, a state Trump won by 13 points in 2024, has seen Democrats eye an opportunity to expand the electoral battleground amid the president’s waning popularity.
Donalds’ campaign has not publicly detailed the rationale behind the website changes beyond redirecting attention to policy proposals. The updated site focuses on affordability, healthcare, and education, with no direct appeals to Trump’s endorsement.
Broader Trends in Republican Messaging
The modifications to Donalds’ website reflect a broader pattern among GOP candidates in competitive races. Analysts note that some Republicans are recalibrating their messaging to emphasize local issues over national figures, particularly as Trump’s influence faces scrutiny in key swing states.
The Florida gubernatorial race remains one of the most closely watched contests in the 2025 midterms, with implications for both state and national political dynamics. Donalds’ campaign did not respond to requests for further comment on the website changes.