Byron Donalds

Florida's race for governor is already emerging as one of the most closely watched contests in the country, with Republican Congressman Byron Donalds positioning himself as the candidate who will continue and expand many of the policies that have helped make Florida one of the fastest-growing states in America.

While speaking with The National News Desk's Jan Jeffcoat, Donalds discussed his plans for affordability, housing, taxes, education, immigration, and the future direction of the Sunshine State as he campaigns for the governor's mansion with the backing of President Donald Trump.

Donalds said one of his top priorities would be tackling the rising cost of living, particularly when it comes to insurance and housing.

According to the congressman, insurance reform remains one of the most important issues facing Florida families. He praised Governor Ron DeSantis for implementing tort reforms that have already begun lowering auto insurance rates and said further changes are needed to bring down property insurance costs.

"We are going to tackle insurance reforms in our state," Donalds said. "We have to go back in and reform some of the insurance regulations that have been in place for more than two decades."

Housing affordability is another major focus of his campaign.

Donalds argued that government permitting requirements have become a significant contributor to rising home prices. He estimated that permitting costs can account for roughly 30 percent of the cost of building a new home and said reducing regulatory burdens would help make homeownership more attainable.

"We have to be far more efficient than that," Donalds said. "We can't let government costs be a third of what it costs to build a new home."

The congressman also voiced support for efforts to provide property tax relief to Floridians.

With property values rising across much of the state, Donalds noted that many homeowners have seen their property tax bills increase substantially in recent years. He backed Governor DeSantis' proposal to expand Florida's homestead exemption and said he would continue exploring ways to reduce or potentially eliminate property taxes on primary residences.

"If it doesn't pass, under my administration we're going to have our Tax and Budget Commission bring this back," Donalds said. "We are going to study all taxes and fees in the state of Florida."

He added that any future tax relief efforts would focus heavily on helping seniors living on fixed incomes and younger families trying to purchase homes.

Beyond economic issues, Donalds also addressed several major legal and cultural debates currently being considered by the U.S. Supreme Court.

One of those issues is birthright citizenship.

The Supreme Court is expected to weigh arguments related to President Trump's efforts to end automatic citizenship for children born in the United States to non-citizen parents. Donalds said he supports ending the current interpretation of birthright citizenship and argued that the policy has strayed from the original intent of the 14th Amendment.

"It is time for the Supreme Court to step in and make a determination," Donalds said. "My hope is that the court does the right thing."

He also praised the Supreme Court's recent decision upholding Tennessee's restrictions on medical gender-transition treatments for minors.

Donalds credited Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for leading on the issue and said he believes future court rulings may continue moving in a direction similar to policies adopted in Florida.

"We think that what you're seeing in this Supreme Court is a court based on common sense and logic," Donalds said.

Throughout the interview, Donalds repeatedly pointed to migration trends as evidence that Florida's policies are working.

He argued that people continue moving to Florida from states such as California and New York because of lower taxes, fewer regulations, and what he described as a more commonsense approach to governing.

"If you look at the movement of feet, people are choosing Florida, and they're fleeing California and New York," Donalds said.

The congressman also reflected on his own personal journey from growing up in Brooklyn, New York, to serving in Congress and running for governor.

Raised by a single mother, Donalds said his story reflects the opportunities available to Americans who remain focused on their goals and willing to work hard.

"America is based on merit," he said. "Florida is the greatest meritocracy in all of America."

He encouraged young people not to let their circumstances define their futures.

"It's not about where you come from. It's about what you're doing and where you're going," Donalds said. "In America, all things are possible."

As the governor's race begins to take shape, Donalds is positioning himself as a candidate focused on affordability, tax relief, conservative governance, and continuing Florida's reputation as a destination for families and businesses seeking opportunity.