HOLLYWOOD, Fla. — It’s the Florida Republicans’ biggest event of the year — the annual Sunshine State Showdown inside the Hard Rock Casino.
From supporters to candidates, the message throughout the gathering was confidence heading into this year’s elections.
“Obviously we can’t be too complacent, but I think our prospects are great,” said Jad with the Florida Young Republicans.
“I feel really good. You talk about stuff happening in other states, in Florida things just get better and better every year as Republicans and as proud Floridians in America,” said John Carroll, a District 53 State House candidate.
Several high-profile Republican figures took the stage, including Attorney General James Uthmeier and U.S. Senators Ashley Moody and Rick Scott.
11 Republicans are running for governor, including Congressman Byron Donalds, who has been endorsed by President Donald Trump.
“We are the best state in America, that’s not going to change, and this November we will tell the Florida Democratic Party once again. Because when you win in Florida, it’s the best state, and that’s not going to change anytime soon,” Donalds said.
Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins also spoke, while his competitor delivered sharp criticism.
“If we do not test our nominee now, the left-wing machine will test him when it’s too late to choose somebody else. And I’m telling you plainly Byron Donalds is not ready for the fight ahead,” the competitor said.
Donalds, meanwhile, focused his criticism on Democratic frontrunner David Jolly, a former Republican.
“I don’t know about you but we have worked too long in this state to make it the number one conservative state in America just to let some milquetoast Democrat wannabe think he is gonna transform Florida,” Donalds said.
Former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner also took the stage, pitching himself as a steady hand in the race.
“You also want a governor who’s gonna get there and deliver results and I’m a no nonsense, less talk, more action leader,” Renner said.
The event also featured a debate among four congressional candidates competing for the GOP nomination in the newly redistricted District 25, stretching from Miami Beach to Delray Beach.
Candidates including former state Rep. George Moraitis, Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer, business owner Raven Harrison, and businessman Dan Franzese traded sharp exchanges over qualifications, experience, and vision for the district.
Singer and Franzese in particular went after each other’s records and backgrounds in a heated back-and-forth.
“These are the failed efforts by a repeat failed candidate,” one candidate said.
“I’ll tell you what else I hear when I go door to door, you could not get elected dog catcher in that district if you ran in your town again,” another said.
On the Democratic side, Rep. Jared Moskowitz is set to face progressive challenger Oliver Larkin in the primary.
Primary elections are scheduled for August 18th, with the general election set for November 3rd.
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