Florida Candidates Campaigned Across State
David Jolly and Byron Donalds held campaign events in Sarasota and Tallahassee.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Secondary Education
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David Jolly held a rally in Sarasota advocating for a public school system overhaul, while Byron Donalds met with student voters at Florida A&M University. The events come as candidates make their final push before the upcoming November election.
Why it matters
The campaign stops highlight competing priorities for Florida voters, ranging from teacher salary funding to campus firearm policies. These issues remain central to the ongoing debate over the state's educational and legal future.
Florida maintains a population ranking as the third-largest in the U.S. and a GDP ranking as the fourth-largest. The proposed education makeover plan is slated for a 10-year duration.
The players
David Jolly
David Jolly is a political candidate who has focused his recent platform on a comprehensive overhaul of the public school system.
Byron Donalds
Byron Donalds is a political candidate who has been actively engaging with student voters on issues including constitutional gun rights.
The details
David Jolly proposes using tourist development tax dollars to fund education improvements and raise teacher salaries over the next decade. Meanwhile, Byron Donalds discussed Second Amendment rights and firearm purchase age restrictions with university students.
Timeline
September 29-30, 2026: Jolly and Donalds conducted campaign activities over the weekend.
September 29, 2026: Byron Donalds held a campaign visit at Florida A&M University.
October 5, 2026: This date serves as the deadline for resident voter registration.
November 3, 2026: The general election will take place across the state.
Roadmap
The proposal to utilize revenue from the Florida tourist development tax for teacher salaries distinguishes this educational platform from standard state budget reallocation proposals. This marks a shift in how campaign finance models may address public sector funding in high-tourism states.
Voters should be aware that the registration deadline is rapidly approaching on October 5. Residents should also note current state law which prohibits individuals under 21 from purchasing rifles or shotguns.
The takeaway
Voters should review the proposed funding mechanisms for education and compare them against their own economic priorities. Staying informed on candidate stances regarding gun policy and school funding is essential for active participation in the November election.
What happens next
The voter registration deadline is October 5, 2026, followed by the general election on November 3, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on the current landscape of schools, visit Secondary Education.
Live Poll
Should your state prioritize funding for public education over other taxpayer-funded projects?
