Supporters of Byron Donalds during the Florida Republican Party's 2026 Sunshine State Showdown convention.

Florida Republican leaders used their annual convention to deliver a message of unity ahead of the 2026 elections, but disagreements within the party often took center stage as delegates gathered Saturday for the Republican Party of Florida’s Sunshine State Showdown in Hollywood.

Although speakers repeatedly warned about Democratic efforts to regain political ground in Florida, much of the discussion centered on Republican infighting surrounding the gubernatorial primary, debate qualifications, and the future direction of the party.

Gov. Ron DeSantis was notably absent from the convention after publicly criticizing Republican Party of Florida Chairman Evan Power over debate rules that effectively limited participation to U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, the only candidate who met the party’s fundraising and polling thresholds.

Earlier this month, DeSantis accused party leaders of abandoning their commitment to hold a competitive gubernatorial debate and suggested the qualification requirements favored one candidate over others.

Despite the controversy, party leaders largely avoided directly addressing the dispute during Saturday’s program.

Instead, speakers urged Republicans to remain united heading into what they described as another critical election cycle.

U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack compared today’s Republican disagreements to political rivalries dating back to the nation’s founding, arguing that Democrats benefit whenever Republicans focus on fighting each other rather than turning out voters.

U.S. Sen. Rick Scott defended the party’s decision not to expand debate access, saying candidates have every right to seek office but political organizations are not obligated to provide every campaign with a platform.

Fishback Holds Separate Event

Republican gubernatorial candidate James Fishback, who was excluded from the convention’s official programming, hosted a competing event elsewhere in South Florida.

Fishback sharply criticized Republican Party leadership and pledged to challenge what he called the party establishment, underscoring continuing tensions within the GOP gubernatorial primary.

Republicans Preview Their 2026 Strategy

Convention speakers also outlined themes Republicans expect to emphasize throughout the general election campaign.

Congressman Randy Fine argued that motivating Republican voters will require emphasizing the stakes of Democratic victories across the country, frequently pointing to recent election results in New York City as evidence of a broader ideological shift.

Donalds adopted a different approach.

Rather than focusing solely on progressive Democrats elsewhere, the gubernatorial frontrunner warned that Florida Democrats would campaign as moderates before pursuing more liberal policies once elected.

Donalds specifically criticized Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Jolly and his running mate, Gwen Graham, arguing that Republicans should judge their opponents by their governing records rather than campaign rhetoric.

Chairman Evan Power echoed that message, telling delegates that Democrats often present moderate campaigns while supporting more progressive agendas after taking office.

Looking Ahead

Republicans currently control every statewide constitutional office, hold supermajorities in the Florida Legislature, and maintain a significant voter registration advantage statewide.

Still, party leaders cautioned delegates against complacency as national Democratic organizations prepare to invest in Florida during the 2026 election cycle.

While the convention showcased Republican confidence heading into November, it also demonstrated that internal divisions surrounding the governor’s race remain an issue party leaders will need to navigate during the months ahead.

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