Byron Donalds sat down with Ben Shapiro to discuss his vision for the Florida gubernatorial race and the long-term direction of the state. During the interview, the Naples-based congressman emphasized that his primary goal is maintaining the political momentum Florida has established over the last several years.
Donalds pointed to a massive influx of new residents as a defining challenge for the state’s next leader. He noted that people have flocked to Florida for a variety of reasons, ranging from its climate to its specific political climate.
“Whether it was COVID, common sense, conservatism, or just great sunshine, people have chosen Florida, but now we have to manage that growth into the future,” Donalds stated. He added that his mission is centered on “continuing the conservative trajectory that Florida has been on for a very long time.”
Reflecting on his personal history, Donalds shared that he moved to Florida at the age of 17 and has lived there for three decades. He explained that his commitment to the state is rooted in the life and career he built there since his teenage years.
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“Everything I’ve built in my life has been built in Florida. What I want is Florida to remain the number one state in America, and that’s going to be continuing to focus on law and order, conservative policy, and limited government,” he said.
Beyond broad philosophy, Donalds addressed specific economic hurdles, particularly affordability. He highlighted that government regulation accounts for roughly 30% of the cost of building a new home in America.
To combat this, he proposed streamlining the permitting process—which currently takes about two years for a “shovel in the ground”—and overhauling the state’s insurance regulatory framework, which he noted hasn’t been significantly updated in nearly 30 years.
The conversation also touched on his entry into politics, which Donalds traced back to the 2008 financial crisis. After watching a “not very smart” House Financial Services Committee hearing, he began studying political philosophy, citing Frederic Bastiat’s The Law as a foundational influence.
Donalds wrapped by noting that while the primary is five months away, he intends to “run like he’s 10 points down” to ensure the state avoids a reversion to the “half-and-half politics” of the past.
Below is a deeper dive into the key policy areas and personal motivations discussed in the conversation.
Economic Policy & Affordability
Donalds identified affordability as the single greatest concern for Florida voters. He proposed a multi-pronged approach to lower costs:
- Regulatory Reform: He highlighted that government regulations and fees currently account for roughly 30% of the cost of building a new home in America. He aims to streamline the permitting process, noting that it currently takes approximately two years to “get a shovel in the ground.”
- Insurance Overhaul: Having chaired the Insurance and Banking Committee in the state legislature, Donalds plans to modernize the state’s insurance regulatory framework, which he claims hasn’t been significantly updated in nearly 30 years.
- Tax Relief: He expressed strong support for legislative efforts to eliminate homestead property taxes, viewing it as a critical step toward making homeownership more sustainable for long-term residents.
Governance and Future Growth
Donalds emphasized that Florida’s success has made it a victim of its own popularity, requiring a shift from “recovery” to “management”:
- Infrastructure Planning: He stressed the need for long-term planning regarding power, water, and road infrastructure to accommodate the massive influx of new residents from states like New York and California.
- Maintaining Momentum: He warned against reverting to the “half-and-half politics” (swing-state status) of the past. His mantra for the campaign is to “run like you’re 10 points down” to ensure conservative gains are not lost.
- Education: His vision includes a “world-class education” system that prioritizes mastering core subjects and providing clear vocational pathways for students moving directly into the workforce.
Political Origin Story
Donalds shared that his entry into politics was sparked by the 2008 financial crisis.
- The Turning Point: While working in finance, he watched a House Financial Services Committee hearing and was struck by what he perceived as a lack of understanding among lawmakers regarding the economy.
- Philosophical Roots: This led him “down the rabbit hole” of political philosophy. He cited Frederic Bastiat’s The Law as the most influential book on his worldview, followed by the works of Milton Friedman, John Locke, and the Federalist Papers.
The 2026 Outlook
Looking ahead to the 2026 election cycle, Donalds expressed optimism for Republicans both in Florida and nationally:
- Messaging: He argued that Republicans must focus on the “story of accomplishment,” pointing to issues like border security and inflation-adjusted wage growth.
- Contrast: He framed the upcoming elections as a choice between current conservative momentum and a return to Democratic leadership, which he characterized (referencing a viral Kamala Harris quote) as a platform where “nothing comes to mind” regarding potential changes.
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