Florida governor candidates debate fraud, tax policy

Voters in Florida will head to the polls on Tuesday to determine who will face off to replace Gov. Ron Desantis in November. Candidates from both parties have flocked to earn partisan nominations and secure a seat in Florida's governor's mansion since DeSantis is term-limited. Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., is leading the polls among Republicans seeking to replace DeSantis. Donalds received an endorsement from President Donald Trump to fill the governor's mansion. "As Governor, Byron will have a BIG Voice, and work closely with me to advance our America First Agenda," Trump wrote. "Byron Donalds will be a truly Great and Powerful Governor for Florida." Trump said Donalds would support his immigration agenda, cut taxes and expand American energy production. Donalds has focused his campaign on expanding government audits, publishing government spending records into a single state-wide database and publishing state and local government salary records. "By making audits routine, publishing spending information in one place, and giving taxpayers direct access to government financial data, Florida can become the most transparent and accountable government in America," Donalds' website reads. While Donalds is seen as the frontrunner, he has prominent challenges from Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins and investor James Fishback. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has declined to endorse in the Republican party primary for governor. Collins has relied on his previous experience as lieutenant governor under DeSantis as part of his campaign strategy. He also touted his military experience as part of his campaign for the Republican nomination. "He led Americans into combat, lost his leg, and re-qualified as a Green Beret. Now Jay Collins is running for Governor to protect the DeSantis legacy and keep Florida free, safe, and prosperous," Collins' website reads. James Fishback, founder of the investment firm Azoria, is also seeking the party's nomination. He has focused his campaign on abolishing property taxes, pushing back against data centers in Florida, supporting farmland and cutting government spending. "Local governments statewide are collecting $20 billion more in property taxes than they were just five years ago," Fishback's website reads. "Fishback will work with local governments to get their spending back to 2021 levels, freeing up that $20 billion. Eliminating property taxes for Florida residents on homesteaded properties costs $18 billion in lost revenue, which is more than covered by the $20 billion in savings." Fishback drew significant attention when he claimed Donalds engaged in activities alongside U.S. Rep. Cory Mills, R-Fla., who has been accused of federal sex trafficking. The U.S. Department of Justice flatly denied Fishback's claim. "Falsely accusing someone of being under investigation is a dangerous form of weaponization," the department wrote on social media. "This claim is not true. Congressman Byron Donalds is not under investigation." On the other side of the aisle, former United States Congressman David Jolly is seeking the Democratic party's nomination for governor in Florida. Jolly, a former Republican, has focused his campaign on increasing funding for public schools and offering state-backed home loan programs for owners in Florida. "Allowing condominium associations and owners access to a no-interest state-backed loan program would likewise address the crushing financial burden of generational condominium repairs," Jolly's website reads. Jolly is at a severe disadvantage in fundraising compared to his Republican counterparts. Byron Donalds has more than $99 million in campaign contributions. Jolly trails with $5.5 million in contributions, followed by Collins with more than $1.4 million and Fishback with more than $575,000. Donalds received $4 million from the Seminole Tribe of Florida and $1.5 million from the GoPAC Election Fund. Collins received $3,000 from A & J Entertainment Group and another $3,000 from Comfort Design, a mechanical engineering company. Jolly received $3,000 from All Site Construction and another $3,000 from Silver Beach Road Partners. Fishback received $3,000 from America First Strategy Group and $3,000 from Superior Oilfield Services. Polls are open in Florida from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday. For more information, visit the Florida Department of State, at dos.fl.gov. For early results on Election Day, visit thecentersquare.com/florida.