Byron Donalds

Graham voted at Florida A&M University to honor its civil rights history and encourage student participation in the election.

Donalds campaigned in nearby Crawfordville, focusing on affordability issues like housing, insurance, and healthcare costs.

The two campaigns are presenting competing visions, with Democrats seeking a broad coalition and Republicans aiming to continue current conservative policies.

Florida's campaign for chief executive arrived in the Big Bend on Aug. 13: Democratic lieutenant governor candidate Gwen Graham voted at Florida A&M University, and Republican frontrunner for governor Byron Donalds made a stop in nearby Crawfordville, bringing what is expected to be a competitive gubernatorial race to Tallahassee.

Graham, a former congresswoman and daughter of the late Gov. and U.S. Sen. Bob Graham, cast her ballot on FAMU's campus, saying she chose the location to honor the university's role in the Tallahassee Bus Boycott, which marks a 70th anniversary this year.

The 1956 boycott began after FAMU students Wilhelmina Jakes and Carrie Patterson were arrested for refusing to move to the back of a city bus. The student-led protest helped dismantle segregated seating on Tallahassee buses and was an early victory in a movement that culminated with passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

"FAMU has had a long history of fighting for civil rights, fighting for voting rights," Graham said after voting at the student center. "The students of FAMU have had a historical impact, and it means so much for me to be here today, voting on the FAMU campus."

Graham linked the anniversary to Jolly’s campaign’s urging citizen participation in government and advocacy for easier access to voting. "Voting is such an important right," she said. "I think some people think it doesn't matter.”

Donalds: A focus on affordability

Donalds, meanwhile, was campaigning in nearby Crawfordville, Wakulla County, as Republicans prepared for next week's primary.

The Naples congressman, who has President Donald Trump's endorsement, holds a substantial lead in most polling over Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, former House Speaker Paul Renner and conservative influencer James Fishback.

Donalds told supporters that housing, insurance and health-care costs remain top concerns for voters and argued Florida should build on policies enacted under Gov. Ron DeSantis.

"We have to make sure we figure out how young people are going to build housing and have the housing that they need while protecting Florida's (agricultural) lands and our waterways," Donalds said.

The Republican also pointed to insurance reform and lowering housing costs as major priorities if elected. "We think we can push insurance rates down 20 to 25 percent in our state," Donalds said.

On housing, Donalds argued that excessive government costs and permitting requirements have contributed to rising home prices. "Thirty percent of the cost of building a new home is government costs, government permitting, government timelines," he said. "We need to actually leverage technology to be more efficient, squeeze those timelines down, push those costs down."

Donalds also framed his candidacy as a continuation of conservative policies that have fueled Florida's growth. "The people of Florida have seen me as one of the most prominent conservative voices and leaders in Washington," he said.

"They know that Byron is committed to law and order, common-sense limited government, low taxes and making sure that our environment remains pristine."

Graham: 'Michael Jordan of Florida politics'

At about the same time miles away at a hastily arranged news conference outside a FAMU lecture hall, students gathered to join reporters in asking Graham questions and taking photographs.

After Graham explained she cast her ballot at FAMU to encourage students to vote, Sidney Aitcheson, a third-year student from Jacksonville said he was excited to meet Graham, calling her “the Michael Jordan of Florida politics.”

"If I want to step on the basketball court, I want to step on the basketball court with Michael Jordan," Aitcheson said. "That's the same thing with politics. ... She's our Michael Jordan in getting us to ... come in and vote and make a change."

Laughing, Graham embraced the comparison.

"I don't want to tell y'all how to do your job, but if you could lead with that," she joked to reporters.

The appearance underscored Democrats' strategy of energizing younger voters, independents and moderate Republicans behind gubernatorial candidate David Jolly, a former Republican congressman who later became an independent and then joined the Democratic Party.

Graham said the campaign's focus is affordability, education and health care. "This race is not about being a Democrat, Republican or independent," she said. "What it's about is the future of Florida."

Competing visions for November

The area appearances highlighted what are expected to be competing talking points:

Jolly and Graham are attempting to build a coalition of Democrats, independents and moderate Republicans concerned about housing costs, insurance premiums and public education.

Donalds is campaigning as a conservative successor to DeSantis, promising to preserve Florida's Republican policy direction while tackling affordability issues.

For now, both sides are looking toward November. But at FAMU, where students once helped lead one of Florida's defining civil rights protests, Graham said the election ultimately is about the state's next generation.

"Why am I here?" she asked, then pointed to students gathered around her. "Because of them, because of what this election means to the future of the state of Florida, and the young people of the state of Florida."

James Call is a member of the USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida Capital Bureau. He can be reached at [email protected]. Follow on X: @CallTallahassee.