Congressman Byron Donalds, the Republican nominee for Governor of Florida, spoke at the Republican Midterm Convention in Dallas on Wednesday evening as part of a two-day event aimed at energizing the party ahead of the November elections.

Donalds was quick to compare his home state to the Long Star State hosting the convention. He said the two red states were proof that the GOP, not the Democrats, were the party of the people. "Our two states prove every single day that Republican policies built on common sense work for the American people," he said.

Donalds, who is running against Democrat David Jolly for the Governorship, used the national platform to echo themes from his statewide campaign tour. He has repeatedly described the contest as a choice between common sense Republicanism or extreme progressive alternatives, a framing that neatly fits into the broader messaging of the convention ahead of what is expected to be a competitive midterm cycle.

The 2026 Republican Midterm Convention has so far featured speeches from party leaders, national office holders, and candidates from competitive swing states as the GOP focuses on issues including tax relief, border security, and parental rights. Donalds' remarks see him join other Florida Republicans to have address the delegates, including U.S. Representative Anna Paulina Luna.

In recent appearances across Florida, including a September 2 event in Delray Beach, Donalds told supporters that the state faces a decision between continuing conservative policies and shifting toward what he called radical approaches. He pledged to maintain efforts on lowering insurance costs, opposing Sharia law, and building on current Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ record.

Donalds has criticized his opponent’s past positions, including comments on COVID-19 policies, gender, and trans-related issues like transition minors, arguing they represent a departure from the priorities that have made Florida a top destination for residents and businesses.

"And when the Democrats show up saying, 'let's put boys in girls' locker rooms,'" Donalds said during his RNC address, "we say, 'hell no.'"

The convention comes as Republicans seek to expand majorities in Congress and hold key state offices. Party officials have emphasized contrasts with Democratic positions on government size, immigration, and cultural issues.

Donalds’ participation in the event as a speaker is one of many signs that Florida’s role in the national Republican strategy is strong, with the state’s large voter registration advantage repeatedly cited by party leaders as evidence of successful governance.

President Donald Trump will deliver the RNC's night-one keynote address, additional speakers are planned for the closing session.