Florida A&M University Hosted Gubernatorial Town Hall
The Tallahassee campus held a candidate Q&A after a planned debate was cancelled.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Elections
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Florida A&M University hosted a gubernatorial town hall featuring candidate Byron Donalds for students. The event shifted from a planned debate to a Q&A session after candidate David Jolly declined the invitation.
Why it matters
The student government organized this forum to ensure students have a direct opportunity to hear policies from candidates running for governor. This event marks the first time an HBCU has hosted a gubernatorial event during the 2026 election cycle.
Florida A&M University is the first HBCU to host this type of gubernatorial event in the 2026 season. A second town hall for David Jolly is scheduled for October 12, 2026, at 7 p.m.
The players
Byron Donalds
He is a political candidate participating in the 2026 gubernatorial election events.
David Jolly
He is a political candidate who declined the university's invitation for a debate.
Florida A&M University
It is a historically Black university located in Tallahassee that serves as a hub for student political engagement.
Wilhelmina Jakes
She was a key figure in the 1956 Tallahassee bus boycott movement.
Carrie Patterson
She was a key figure in the 1956 Tallahassee bus boycott movement.
The details
Students engaged in a Q&A session with Byron Donalds to discuss gubernatorial policies at the university. The forum was originally intended as a debate, but organizers adjusted the format following David Jolly's refusal to participate.
Timeline
1956: Wilhelmina Jakes and Carrie Patterson started a bus boycott.
1957: Tallahassee bus integration occurred.
2007: Barack Obama delivered a speech on campus.
2018: Andrew Gillum visited campus for a campaign tour.
October 12, 2026: Town hall scheduled for David Jolly at 7 p.m.
Political Context
The university's role as a site for political town halls follows a tradition of campus activism established by the 1956 Tallahassee bus boycott. This legacy highlights the historic importance of the Tallahassee campus as a center for civil and political discourse.
Students and Tallahassee residents gain direct access to political candidates through these university-hosted forums. This allows the local community to vet candidates and understand their platforms before the 2026 election.
The takeaway
Engaging directly with candidates through Q&A sessions provides voters with a clearer view of policy positions than standard campaign rhetoric. Students are encouraged to attend future forums to voice their concerns and hold candidates accountable.
What happens next
A gubernatorial town hall for David Jolly is scheduled for October 12, 2026, at 7 p.m. in the Lee Hall Auditorium.
Further reading
For more background on the ongoing candidate forums, visit the Elections page.
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