Byron Donalds Emphasized Florida State Roots

The congressman is leveraging his alma mater status in his bid to become Florida's next governor.

Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Higher Education

Historic red brick archway and academic buildings on a university campus in Florida bathed in bright afternoon sunlight. — Representative Byron Donalds is highlighting his roots as a Florida State University alumnus to connect with voters in his bid for Florida governor. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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As the gubernatorial race intensifies, Representative Byron Donalds is highlighting his identity as a 2002 graduate of Florida State University. He aims to become the third alumnus of the school to serve as Florida governor.

Why it matters

Donalds is leaning into his Seminole alumni identity to build rapport with voters and contrast his background against rivals. This strategy highlights the long-standing political rivalry between the state's major public universities.

Florida State University has produced only two Florida governors, Reubin Askew and Charlie Crist, compared to eleven governors who graduated from the University of Florida.

The players

Byron Donalds

He is a member of Congress currently campaigning for the position of Florida governor.

Charlie Crist

He is a former Florida governor and one of the two alumni of Florida State University to hold the office.

Reubin Askew

He was a former Florida governor and the first graduate of Florida State University to serve in that role.

The details

Donalds incorporates the Seminole war chant into his campaign events and recently visited Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee. His campaign has leaned into these campus traditions to strengthen his appeal with the Florida voter base.

1947: Florida State University became fully coeducational.
2002: Byron Donalds graduated from Florida State University.
2006: Charlie Crist won the Florida governorship.
August 2026: Donalds won his primary victory.
September 2026: Donalds returned to Tallahassee for a campaign stop.

Roadmap

This race mirrors the long-standing historical precedent of the University of Florida dominating the state's gubernatorial history. Donalds is attempting to break this cycle by highlighting his connection to a school with a significantly smaller footprint in the governor's office.

Voters across Florida are seeing a shift in campaign rhetoric as candidates lean into university rivalries to secure the student and alumni vote. This strategy directly impacts how campaign events are structured and which regional demographics are being prioritized in local stops.

The takeaway

The use of university identity in political campaigns highlights the enduring power of school spirit in state elections. Candidates often use these cultural touchstones to humanize their platforms and connect with specific voting blocs.