Latest news with #VictoryInsights
Miami Herald
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
44 Percent: TPS for Haitians, Hakeem Jeffries and ‘Sinners'
In recent years, Juneteenth has become a much more celebrated holiday among Black people. And I can't say I fault us. Celebrating the Fourth of July feels forced in light of all the struggles Black people have faced to help create this country. Frederick Douglass's speech 'What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?' reads: 'What, to the American slave, is your 4th of July? I answer: a day that reveals to him, more than all other days in the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which he is the constant victim. To him, your celebration is a sham; your boasted liberty, an unholy license; your national greatness, swelling vanity; your sounds of rejoicing are empty and heartless; your denunciations of tyrants, brass fronted impudence; your shouts of liberty and equality, hollow mockery…' So, I do not fault any Black person who will simply choose to rest and not join in in any celebration. INSIDE THE 305: Federal judge rules in favor of Haitians with TPS, restores February 2026 deadline A New York federal judge has ruled in favor of Haitians with temporary legal status in the United States, deciding on Tuesday that the Trump administration was wrong in deciding to cut short their end date by six months, Herald reporters Jacqueline Charles and Jay Weaver. U.S. District Judge Brian M. Cogan's ruling means that Haiti's Temporary Protected Status designation should return to its original February 2026 date, giving more than a half-million Haitian nationals with TPS more time to shield themselves against losing their work permits and deportation protections in the United States. Would Byron Donalds differ from DeSantis as governor? Here's what he told us U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds sat down with the Miami Herald about what kind of governor he would be if elected. Donalds has gotten the endorsement of Donald Trump and is recognized by half of Floridians since announcing his campaign last year. Donalds, a Republican, is polling at about a five-point lead over David Jolly, the most notable Democratic candidate, with about a third of voters still undecided, according to the polling firm Victory Insights. And the possibility of Casey DeSantis challenging him in a Republican primary is beginning to fade, according to lobbyists and consultants, Herald reporter Siena Duncan wrote. OUTSIDE THE 305: Jacksonville's Paris Richardson will represent Florida in Miss America pageant Duval County native and University of Florida alum Paris Richardson was crowned Miss Florida, representing the state in the Miss America pageant. The proud 2020 Jean Ribault High School alum made history by bringing the Miss Florida crown back to Gainesville for the first time in more than 70 years. She's only the second Miss Gainesville to win the title, and the first since Marcia Crane earned the title in 1952, The Florida Union-Times reported. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries Breaks Record in Hourslong Speech Opposing Trump's Policy Bill On Thursday, U.S. House minority speaker Hakeem Jeffries spoke for eight hours and 45 minutes opposing Donald Trump's policy bill. His speech is now the record for the longest on the House floor. Thursday's speech was not a filibuster, the Senate tactic that allows a member to speechify for unlimited time, delaying action indefinitely, The New York Times reported. But Mr. Jeffries was making use of his prerogative as a leader to stretch his allotted 60 seconds of speaking time for far longer, in a House tradition known as a 'magic minute.' In doing so, he was attempting to seize a pivotal moment for Democrats — who have toiled to find a cohesive strategy, message and messenger for countering Mr. Trump — to make a forceful case against the president and his agenda. HIGH CULTURE: 'Sinners' on Max Will Include a Black American Sign Language Version After a successful box office run, 'Sinners' will debut on Max on Friday, July 4, and will also include a Black American Sign Language version. I've seen the movie three times – and I will be enjoying it a fourth time on DVD/Bluray (because physical media still matters) and as many times after on Max.
Miami Herald
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Would Byron Donalds differ from DeSantis as governor? Here's what he told us
President Donald Trump endorsed U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds for Florida governor about a week before Donalds even announced that he would be campaigning for the state's top office. 'RUN, BYRON, RUN!' Trump posted on social media in February. Thus Donalds' campaign began over a year before Election Day. Donalds, a Republican, is polling at about a five-point lead over David Jolly, the most notable Democratic candidate, with about a third of voters still undecided, according to the polling firm Victory Insights. And the possibility of Casey DeSantis challenging him in a Republican primary is beginning to fade, according to lobbyists and consultants. A Brooklyn native who came to the Sunshine State more than 20 years ago to study at Florida A&M University and Florida State University, Donalds has been involved in Florida politics for about a decade. The first race he won was a state House seat in 2016, representing a coastal district near Fort Myers, and he was reelected there in 2018. During that time, Donalds was known as a firm Trump supporter. He was elected to Congress in 2020 and has since been reelected twice. While in D.C., he has aligned himself with the ultraconservative Tea Party caucus, voting hardline MAGA — though Gov. Ron DeSantis accused Donalds in 2023 of siding with then-Vice President Kamala Harris after Donalds criticized statewide education standards that had Florida students being taught that American slaves learned useful skills. Donalds, who is Black, called them 'wrong' on social media and said they needed adjustment. Donalds later endorsed Trump over DeSantis during the 2024 presidential election cycle. Only about half of Floridians recognize Donalds' name — up from a third in February, before he announced his campaign. Who would he be as Florida's governor? The Miami Herald sat down with him to find out. What follows are exchanges from Donalds' interview with the Herald, edited for brevity and clarity. Q: You launched your campaign fairly early. How do you keep people interested in your candidacy over the next 14 months prior to the primary? A: It's really about continuing to add people to your coalition. [Our campaign's] been fortunate to really be in just about every part of our state. We're going to continue to travel the state. And wherever we go to, whether it's CPAC Latino, business owners throughout our state, nonprofits, religious groups — people have been excited. I think that it's just one day at a time. You keep working hard, and it all comes together. Q: Did you time the launch of your campaign and Trump's endorsement to get ahead of potential competitors, like Casey DeSantis? A: No, that was not what happened. The president endorsed and then I was like, oh, all right, I guess we're running for governor. I had been thinking about running, and you have a bunch of different timelines of when you announce. The president's endorsement pretty much changed all that. Q: Is the Democratic Party in Florida dead? Is your only concern during this campaign a Republican primary? A: Yeah, they're pretty much dead. But that doesn't mean you ignore them and take your foot off the gas. Q: What do Floridians want from their next governor? What is the issue or issues they most care about? A: Right now, obviously, people are concerned about insurance. A lot of sticker shock around there. People want to talk about transportation — how am I getting around the state? How might we get some of the traffic off the roads? But overall, as I travel the state, people are happy with Florida. They want it to continue, so their biggest thing is, are we going to keep moving on the same path? Florida is going to remain the free state of Florida. We're going to keep people safe. We're going to make sure kids are getting a quality education. One of the things I focus on is helping children in our state become proficient in core subject matter. About 30% of our kids are proficient in math and reading. We need to raise that bar [to] 50%. If you're proficient in core subjects, now you're even more ready to take on the challenges of the world. We're preparing the future of Florida. Q: Are there any ways that your administration would be different than a DeSantis administration? A: Look, when it comes to policy, the governor and I don't really have disagreements. … I think it's more about careers. The governor was an attorney. I'm a man of finance. So I think it's just a different way of going about your business, but in terms of policy outcomes and political stances, there's not going to be much change. Q: As a former state lawmaker, what are your thoughts on the struggle between DeSantis and the Legislature this past session? A: Every session's different. What most people don't understand is that there are usually conflicts between the governor and the Legislature. It happens a lot more than people realize. It's really just maintaining open lines of communication with House and Senate leadership and really trying to do the early work of trying to get on the same page, really understanding what everybody's priorities and positions are. And just being professional and working through that on a step-by-step basis. Q: If you were to be elected, you would be the first Black Republican governor in the modern history of the party. What do you think that signals for the party? A: Our party is growing. People are far more diverse, but not just diversity for diversity's sake. We are still a party built on ideals. Strong ideas of individual liberty, human freedom, economic growth, sound policy, safe streets and children being educated. Those are principles that whether you're Black, whether you're Cuban, whether you're Puerto Rican or Dominican — you can agree with that. These are the philosophies that build families and maintain strong cultures. That's why I think you see more Black people coming to the Republican Party. They're sick of the dogma and the terrible policies. And the broken promises … [Democrats] never have real solutions. I think people are tired of it. What they're looking at in Republicans is people who are no nonsense. You may agree with us, you may disagree with us, but you're going to get a straight answer. … At the end of the day, people respect that. That's why you're seeing more minorities choose the Republican Party. Q: GOP members of Congress in Miami have called on the Trump administration to be more discerning as it seeks to deport immigrants in the country illegally. Do you agree with that position? A: No, I think the way the president is moving, it's going to continue. Let's be very clear: We have to be consistent when it comes to dealing with immigration law. What we want is more legal immigration, people who come in the right way. What Joe Biden allowed was anarchy, and that anarchy is going to create chaos. It's unfortunate this is what happens when you have terrible policy from the Democratic Party. The first thing: You've got to secure the border. [Trump] has done that. When it comes to deportations, obviously starting with criminal and illegal aliens, and then other people in the country illegally — yes, a lot of people are going to have to go home because we took on more than 10 million people. Our budgets are overwhelmed in every city in America. … We have to do the right thing, which is reset the table. And then we can work on letting people come into the country legally, to be able to come and work in America, if that's what they choose to do, or assimilate in America and become citizens. Q: Any thoughts on Alligator Alcatraz? A: I think the concept is good. Where we are right now, a lot of the county jails are overwhelmed. You have to have a release valve. That's what the governor and the attorney general are doing about that. But I think it's a temporary matter because … when we pass the 'Big Beautiful Bill' in Washington, it's going to give [Trump border czar] Tom Homan and [Homeland Security Secretary] Kristi Noem the resources they need. So it will alleviate the backfill that's happening currently with our sheriffs in Florida.
Newsweek
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Democrats' Chances of Flipping Florida in Governor's Race—Polls
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A new poll of the 2026 Florida gubernatorial race showed Republican Representative Byron Donalds with a narrow lead over former Representative David Jolly, a former Republican who is running as a Democrat. However, nearly one-third of voters remain undecided, and Jolly told Newsweek on Wednesday he feels "very good about this race." Newsweek reached out to the Donalds and Jolly campaigns via email and online contact form. Why It Matters Florida zoomed toward Republicans over the past decade, with the former swing state backing President Donald Trump by double digits in last year's elections. But Democrats are hoping to make the Sunshine State competitive once again in the 2026 midterms, particularly if Trump's approval fuels a 2018-style "blue wave" next November. Historically, the president's party loses seats in the midterms. Whoever emerges victorious in the election will have a say over key economic and social policies in Florida, home to more than 23 million residents. What to Know A new poll released by Victory Insights revealed how Floridians are feeling about a hypothetical matchup between Donalds and Jolly more than a year out from the primary election. A plurality of voters said they are leaning toward Donalds, but many are still up for grabs, according to the survey of 600 likely voters conducted from June 7 to June 10, 2025. Donalds received support from 36.7 percent of respondents, while 31.4 percent said they intend to cast their ballot for Jolly, according to the poll. Still, 31.9 percent said they weren't sure who they would support in the election. Representative Byron Donalds speaks to reporters in Washington, D.C. on October 3, 2023. Former Representative David Jolly participates in a swearing-in ceremony in Washington, D.C. on March 13, 2014. Representative Byron Donalds speaks to reporters in Washington, D.C. on October 3, 2023. Former Representative David Jolly participates in a swearing-in ceremony in Washington, D.C. on March 13, 2014.;Jolly announced his gubernatorial campaign last week. He previously served in the House of Representatives as a Republican from 2014 to 2017, representing areas of Pinellas County. Since leaving Congress, he has become a vocal Trump critic and officially became a Democrat this year before joining the race. Democrats also ran a former Republican as their nominee in the 2022 gubernatorial race, with former Governor Charlie Crist winning the party's nomination but ultimately losing to GOP Governor Ron DeSantis by about 20 points in the general election. Ben Galbraith, a senior pollster at Victory Insights, wrote in a polling memo that while Democrats hope Jolly may be 'more palatable to modern Republicans," Crist's defeat in 2022 indicates that thought process "is grounded more so in hope than in reason." Other polls have also suggested Republicans have an early lead in the state's gubernatorial race. A poll from the James Madison Institute, which surveyed 1,200 registered Florida voters from May 5 to May 7, showed Donalds as well as Florida first lady Casey DeSantis leading Democratic candidates, albeit by a smaller margin than Trump's 2024 victory in the state. Trump won Florida by 13 percentage points, the strongest Republican showing in the state in decades. He won Florida by about three points in 2020 and just over a single percentage point in 2016, with former President Barack Obama winning the state in both his 2008 and 2012 election campaigns. The primary is still more than a year away, and it's unclear whether other candidates like DeSantis or former Representative Matt Gaetz, also a Republican, are going to jump into the race. However, Trump has already endorsed Donalds, giving him a likely boost in the GOP primary. What People Are Saying Florida Gubernatorial candidate David Jolly told Newsweek: "This election is about change vs more of the same. I am focused on mobilizing a coalition of Florida voters ready to bring generational relief to our affordability crisis, while other candidates ignore the urgency. I'm not surprised polls are now where they are. But we are just getting started. I feel very good about this race." J. Edwin Benton, a professor of political science and public administration at the University of South Florida, told Newsweek last month: "The Democratic Party could make it interesting, if, and that's a very big if, it can get its act together, which they haven't been able to do for the last four, five, six years. But the opportunity is there, if nothing more than the pushback against DeSantis and Trump." Donalds on CBN News, according to Florida Politics: "I have the support of President Donald Trump. I have the support of [Florida's GOP] Senator Rick Scott. I have the support of most of the Republican congressional delegation. And we're picking up steam every single day. I've been crisscrossing the state nonstop for the last six weeks, except when I'm here doing my job here in Washington." What Happens Next Florida voters will head to the polls in the primary on August 18, 2026, and the general election will be held on November 3, 2026. The Cook Political Report currently classifies the race as Solid Republican.
Yahoo
22-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Donalds coy on potential Florida governor bid while thanking Trump for endorsement
Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) was coy while discussing his potential Florida gubernatorial bid during a Friday interview while also expressing gratitude for landing an early endorsement from President Trump. When asked if and when he might enter the race during his appearance on NewsNation's show 'The Hill,' Donalds said that he is not 'going to get into it now, there's a lot of different things that we're thinking through, but I do got to say, really appreciative of President Trump and his support.' He added, 'You know, it's something where, you know, I think if we decided to make that that jump, you know, the mission is going to be about making sure that Florida just goes to higher and higher heights.' Trump endorsed Donalds, his close ally on Capitol Hill and a rising star in the GOP, on Thursday, proclaiming that Donalds would have a 'big voice' and would work 'closely' with the commander-in-chief to advance his America-first agenda. 'He will fight tirelessly to Secure our Border, Stop Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Military, Protect our Vets, Restore our Economic Power, Advance American Energy DOMINANCE, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment,' Trump wrote on Truth Social. Donalds said Friday that he and his team are having internal discussions, including about his potential entrance into the race. 'Nothing really to put out right now, but I'm really appreciative of the support from President Trump and the support pouring out from so many other people around the state, around the country,' Donalds told NewsNation's Blake Burman. Days before the endorsement, which tends to carry a significant amount of weight in Republican primaries, Trump showcased an internal poll conducted by Florida-based Republican pollster Victory Insights, that showed Donalds, who represents Florida's 19th Congressional District, being in the top spot in a hypothetical Sunshine State's governor's race. Donalds was on top with 31 percent. Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez (R) was at 4 percent while the state's Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson (R) got 3 percent. Miami Mayor Francis Suarez received 1 percent backing. While Donalds has not officially announced his state-wide run, he has bolstered his campaign team. He has spoken to Florida-based donors about a potential bid and has brought on Trump's 2016 and 2024 presidential pollster Tony Fabrizio, The Hill reported last month. 'A lot of people in the state are eager to have him get into the race,' one source familiar with the matter told The Hill. 'The grassroots truly comes to Byron.' It is unclear who DeSantis, whose term ends in January 2027, will support once the race kicks off. Donalds and the Florida governor have had a tense relationship. The House Republican endorsed Trump in April 2023, even before DeSantis officially kickstarted his presidential bid which ended in January last year. On Friday, Donalds praised DeSantis's work in Florida. 'I think the one thing that is clear is that, look, Governor DeSantis has done a great job for our state,' Donalds said on NewsNation. 'We all know that, and but there's going to be time to pick a new governor, and then we'll go on from there.' Earlier on Friday, Donalds told The Hill he has not spoken with DeSantis yet, 'but I know we will.' He said 'It's too early for that' when asked if he thinks that the Florida governor would endorse him. NewsNation is owned by Nexstar Media Group, which also owns The Hill. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
22-02-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
Donalds coy on potential Florida governor bid while thanking Trump for endorsement
Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) was coy while discussing his potential Florida gubernatorial bid during a Friday interview while also expressing gratitude for landing an early endorsement from President Trump. When asked if and when he might enter the race during his appearance on NewsNation's show 'The Hill,' Donalds said that he is not 'going to get into it now, there's a lot of different things that we're thinking through, but I do got to say, really appreciative of President Trump and his support.' He added, 'You know, it's something where, you know, I think if we decided to make that that jump, you know, the mission is going to be about making sure that Florida just goes to higher and higher heights.' Trump endorsed Donalds, his close ally on Capitol Hill and a rising star in the GOP, on Thursday, proclaiming that Donalds would have a 'big voice' and would work 'closely' with the commander-in-chief to advance his America-first agenda. 'He will fight tirelessly to Secure our Border, Stop Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Military, Protect our Vets, Restore our Economic Power, Advance American Energy DOMINANCE, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment,' Trump wrote on Truth Social. Donalds said Friday that he and his team are having internal discussions, including about his potential entrance into the race. 'Nothing really to put out right now, but I'm really appreciative of the support from President Trump and the support pouring out from so many other people around the state, around the country,' Donalds told NewsNation's Blake Burman. Days before the endorsement, which tends to carry a significant amount of weight in Republican primaries, Trump showcased an internal poll conducted by Florida-based Republican pollster Victory Insights, that showed Donalds, who represents Florida's 19th Congressional District, being in the top spot in a hypothetical Sunshine State's governor's race. Donalds was on top with 31 percent. Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez (R) was at 4 percent while the state's Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson (R) got 3 percent. Miami Mayor Francis Suarez received 1 percent backing. While Donalds has not officially announced his state-wide run, he has bolstered his campaign team. He has spoken to Florida-based donors about a potential bid and has brought on Trump's 2016 and 2024 presidential pollster Tony Fabrizio, The Hill reported last month. 'A lot of people in the state are eager to have him get into the race,' one source familiar with the matter told The Hill. 'The grassroots truly comes to Byron.' It is unclear who DeSantis, whose term ends in January 2027, will support once the race kicks off. Donalds and the Florida governor have had a tense relationship. The House Republican endorsed Trump in April 2023, even before DeSantis officially kickstarted his presidential bid which ended in January last year. On Friday, Donalds praised DeSantis's work in Florida. 'I think the one thing that is clear is that, look, Governor DeSantis has done a great job for our state,' Donalds said on NewsNation. 'We all know that, and but there's going to be time to pick a new governor, and then we'll go on from there.' Earlier on Friday, Donalds told The Hill he has not spoken with DeSantis yet, 'but I know we will.' He said 'It's too early for that' when asked if he thinks that the Florida governor would endorse him.
