Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL), who is running for governor in Florida, has issued a challenge to David Jolly, the likely Democratic nominee, to three debates.

The announcement came ahead of the Florida GOP gubernatorial primary on August 18.

“I’m challenging Democrat David Jolly to THREE debates. Three opportunities for Floridians to compare two very different visions for our state’s future,” Donalds stated in a video address.

“I’ll defend Florida’s record on freedom, economic growth, public safety, and common-sense leadership,” he added.

“There’s been a lot of talk about debates, but the only debate that truly matters is the one against the radical Democrats,” Donalds said.

“You see, David Jolly and I, we have very different views about the future of Florida. My vision is about Florida remaining the free state of Florida based upon commonsense conservative principles, law and order, a growing economy, low taxes, and making sure parents are at the head of the table when it comes to making decisions on behalf of their children,” Donalds continued.

“David Jolly, he actually stands with the Democrat Party. The same Democrats that believe in high taxes, bloated government, boys in girls’ sports, and taking away that authority from parents, and giving it to bureaucrats. This is a very different view of Florida’s future. And this view needs to be debated,” he added.

Donalds has submitted a request for proposals to broadcasters, including television networks, local broadcasters, streaming platforms, and qualified media organizations, seeking venues for the debates.

The call for debates follows a University of North Florida poll showing Donalds ahead by five points in the race.

The Jolly campaign disputed the poll’s accuracy, noting its unweighted sample was too heavily Republican. They also maintained that Donalds is not as popular as Governor Ron DeSantis and that even a $20 million ad buy has not swayed voters to overwhelmingly support him.

“Get through your primary and we’ll talk,” Jolly responded when contacted about the challenge.

Earlier this month, Donalds faced criticism for skipping a debate hosted by Patrick Bet-David that featured three Republican contenders: Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, James Fishback, and Paul Renner.

“You’re in no position to challenge anyone to a debate after you refuse to show up to the Patrick Bet-David debate,” Fishback remarked.

When asked about criticism of his avoidance of debates, Donalds said: “These guys are in single digits. They stay in single digits.”

The Florida Republican, who is retiring from Congress to run for governor, has consistently polled at roughly 50% with opponents trailing far behind in the polls. His campaign has also vastly outraised the field, collecting over $90 million.

“They should spend their time going to see the people of Florida because they’re not getting much support at all,” Donalds said.

Donalds entered the race with former President Trump’s endorsement, giving him a boost among supporters of the MAGA movement. Governor Ron DeSantis, who is term-limited and has not formally endorsed any candidate, remains in office.

Donalds’ opponents include Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, former House Speaker Paul Renner, and investor James Fishback.