Florida Rep. Byron Donalds is leaning into an unexpected boost from a prominent liberal sports commentator as he seeks to turn his high-profile media battles into a mandate from Florida voters in next weeks Republican gubernatorial primary.
The conservative congressman, now running to lead the Sunshine State, responded to praise from ESPN personality and long-time Democrat Stephen A. Smith, who suggested he could be persuaded to cross party lines. According to Just The News, Smith used his Sirius XM program, "Straight Shooter with Stephen A. Smith," to deliver an unusually strong endorsement of Donalds character and political mettle, even while insisting he remains a Democrat.
"I ain't no d--- Republican. But ... if anybody could make me one, it would be him," Smith declared on his show, before elaborating on why Donalds has earned his respect. "He's the real deal. Make no mistake about it. I've seen him battling with Democrats. I've seen him battling with people on different shows, whatever. He ain't backing up. He knows his stuff. OK? I talk to him all the time. And I ain't got nothing bad to say about him."
Donalds, appearing on the "Just The News, No Noise" television program, said the remarks from such a high-profile Democrat "means a lot" to him and reflect the appeal of his straightforward, common-sense agenda. "I do believe that resonates with people. So to hear Stephen A. Smith say that, really means a lot to me," Donalds said, emphasizing that he aims to speak plainly to Floridians about practical solutions.
"He's a good guy. We've gotten a chance to know each other over the last year or so, and that really means a lot," Donalds added, noting that their relationship has grown beyond the usual partisan soundbites. He argued that Smiths reaction underscores a broader hunger among Americans for policies that transcend ideological labels and focus on results.
"I think for the future, it demonstrates what people are looking for," Donalds continued, framing his campaign as aligned with the priorities of everyday citizens rather than political elites. "Republicans, independent voters, even Democratsthey just want this country to work. They want common sense to reign. They want safe streets. They want a border that's secure. They want an economic system where people can earn a great living and provide for their futures and just enjoy life. I mean, that's really what people are looking for."
Donalds said President Trumps administration is working to restore that vision nationally, and he pledged to extend the same governing philosophy in Tallahassee. He pointed to Floridas population boom as proof that conservative governance, not progressive experimentation, is what families are choosing with their feet.
"There's a reason why people are leaving other states and they come to Florida, and it's not just the beaches and it's not just the sunshine," he said, contrasting Floridas trajectory with that of deep-blue states. "If that was the case, people would be moving hand over fist to move to California, and they're not. They're leaving California. They're coming to states like Florida because, yes, we have the beauty, but it's also a lot of common sense and law and order, and it's what the American people are looking for."
As Florida Republicans head to the polls next week, Donalds enters the primary with President Donald Trump's endorsement, a powerful asset in a state that has increasingly embraced conservative leadership. He faces Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner, and outsider candidate James Fishback, all vying to lead a state that has become a national model for low taxes, public safety, and resistance to progressive overreach.
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