FLORIDA’S VOICE: Byron Donalds addresses sold-out crowd at Club 47 USA meeting, hails Florida’s moment to lead

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds told a sold-out crowd at Club 47 USA on Monday that Florida is poised to lead the nation as other states falter under liberal policies, urging supporters to stay vigilant in preserving the state’s top ranking.

Donalds, the leading contender for the Republican nomination for governor, spoke to hundreds of enthusiastic supporters at the event. Club 47 USA is recognized as one of the biggest pro-Trump organizations in Florida and nationally.

“We are dealing with true radicals who still believe that their policies are the right policies,” Donalds said.

The congressman emphasized that maintaining Florida’s success requires continued hard work.

“Just because we’re number one doesn’t mean the job is done,” he said. “It’s a lot of work to get to number one. It’s harder to stay there.”

Donalds drew sharp contrasts with other states, positioning Florida as the model for conservative governance.

“We saw what happened when California led, we saw what happened when New York led, we saw what happened when Illinois led, and they screwed it up, and so now it’s our time. Florida will lead,” Donalds said.

He voiced strong support for Gov. Ron DeSantis’ property tax reform efforts and broader efforts to improve affordability.

“I support what the governor wants to do with his property tax reforms, because you are not a piggy bank for government,” Donalds said.

On insurance costs, Donalds pledged action to lower premiums.

“We’re going to reform Florida’s insurance regulatory system, because there are ways that we could push down insurance costs in the state,” he said.

Donalds highlighted transparency measures in health care, calling for price disclosure at medical facilities.

“We are going to have all doctors’ offices and all hospitals post the real cash price for the top 20 services that they offer at their facilities, because you should know what the price is when you walk in the door,” he said. “If you’re going to control prices, you have to know what the prices are, and we’re going to make sure in the great state of Florida that you know what the prices are.”

He also targeted government bureaucracy, promising faster permitting processes.

“No more taking forever to get a permit in our state, because the longer it takes to build the job […] you pay the price. Government doesn’t pay the price,” Donalds said.

The congressman criticized the current state of public information access.

“We’re a government in the sunshine, and that’s great, but the way we have information laid out now, it’s like trying to pick up after your kids at the beach,” he said.

Reflecting on personal responsibility and the American Dream, Donalds shared his philosophy on success.

“How you build wealth and how you build that dream, nobody’s going to give it to you. You got to work,” he said. “If you mess up, you make up, but you never give up.”

He pointed to Florida’s entrepreneurial spirit and education as keys to the state’s future.

“The future success of our state is going to be [their] future success,” Donalds said, referring to the next generation. “As I travel Florida, I meet more business owners who did not graduate college […] and then, before you know it, they built a great company that they are now passing on to their kids. That is the American dream, and that dream is alive and well in Florida.”

Addressing his campaign, Donalds pointed to strong polling numbers against potential rivals.

“If you look at all of the public polls, all of the internal polls, I am up on every Republican running for governor by over 40 points,” he said.

He dismissed calls for change from Democrats.

“They say they want change. My question for them is, change what? We’re the best state in America,” Donalds said. “The only thing standing in front of these crazies is the red-blooded men and women here in Club 47, and all across the great state of Florida.”

State Rep. Meg Weinberger praised Donalds and his wife, Erika Donalds, following the event.

“Future Governor Byron Donalds and Florida’s future First Lady, Erika Donalds, delivered an inspiring message at Club 47. They are incredible patriots who truly understand what Floridians want and need,” Weinberger said. “Byron has done the work, been in the trenches, and fought tirelessly for our country. With Byron at the helm, Florida’s future is bright, and I have no doubt our best days are ahead.”

Palm Beach Young Republicans President Alex Fahmy highlighted the energy among younger voters.

“Tonight’s event drew an enthusiastic crowd of young Republicans. The energy and optimism he has inspired continue to resonate with voters across Florida,” Fahmy said. “We are excited about the vision, leadership, and opportunities he will bring to our generation when Byron becomes Florida’s next governor.”

Donalds has raised more than $81 million through his campaign and his Friends of Byron Donalds PAC from more than 35,000 donors. The Republican primary is Aug. 18, along with the general election on Nov. 3.