U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, one of the most prominent Republicans running for Florida governor, made a campaign stop Saturday in Central Florida, where he spoke with voters about key state and national issues.Donalds, who represents southwest Florida in Congress, told supporters in DeLand that issues such as transit infrastructure, insurance and taxes are top concerns for the region. He said local governments should look for ways to cut spending before raising taxes.“I think before local government raises taxes, they need to take a look at their entire budget sheet and what can they cut and push off because the citizens only have so much money,” Donalds said.Donalds is seeking to succeed Gov. Ron DeSantis, who isn’t able to run again because of term limits. The congressman, a rising figure in national conservative politics, told voters that his campaign is focused on decision-making and accountability.“I think when you elect somebody, what they’re really electing is their decision-making process,” Donalds said.Among the voters attending the event was Fred Thompson, who said he supports Donalds’ message.“We’re concerned about what’s going on in the state as well as in the country, and we feel like Mr. Donalds is going to best represent us in the coming years,” Thompson said.Some voters said they were still undecided. Independent voter Melissa Robertucci said she came to learn more about Donalds before making up her mind.“I wanted to hear what he had to say. I haven’t made a decision. You don’t really know who’s running for governor,” she said.Donalds also addressed the ongoing federal government shutdown, saying he was frustrated by the stalemate in Washington. “It’s very frustrating because in the House we have voted to keep the government open,” he said.Donalds echoed his party’s position that federal funding should not cover health care for noncitizens — a stance criticized by Democrats, including U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost of Florida. “It’s about the healthcare of our people,” Frost said. “Working-class people are paying more than they ever have for everything — housing, groceries, gas. To add insult to injury, we are going to charge them double, if not 300% for health care, so billionaires can get a tax cut.”Donalds said he hopes the shutdown will end soon and that, if elected governor, he can help continue Republican momentum in Florida. “I think most voters, their biggest thing overall is, are we going to keep going,” he said.Voters at the DeLand event said they are eager to see how the rest of the gubernatorial field shapes up in the coming months.

DELAND, Fla. —

U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, one of the most prominent Republicans running for Florida governor, made a campaign stop Saturday in Central Florida, where he spoke with voters about key state and national issues.

Donalds, who represents southwest Florida in Congress, told supporters in DeLand that issues such as transit infrastructure, insurance and taxes are top concerns for the region. He said local governments should look for ways to cut spending before raising taxes.

“I think before local government raises taxes, they need to take a look at their entire budget sheet and what can they cut and push off because the citizens only have so much money,” Donalds said.

Donalds is seeking to succeed Gov. Ron DeSantis, who isn’t able to run again because of term limits. The congressman, a rising figure in national conservative politics, told voters that his campaign is focused on decision-making and accountability.

“I think when you elect somebody, what they’re really electing is their decision-making process,” Donalds said.

Among the voters attending the event was Fred Thompson, who said he supports Donalds’ message.

“We’re concerned about what’s going on in the state as well as in the country, and we feel like Mr. Donalds is going to best represent us in the coming years,” Thompson said.

Some voters said they were still undecided.

Independent voter Melissa Robertucci said she came to learn more about Donalds before making up her mind.

“I wanted to hear what he had to say. I haven’t made a decision. You don’t really know who’s running for governor,” she said.

Donalds also addressed the ongoing federal government shutdown, saying he was frustrated by the stalemate in Washington.

“It’s very frustrating because in the House we have voted to keep the government open,” he said.

Donalds echoed his party’s position that federal funding should not cover health care for noncitizens — a stance criticized by Democrats, including U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost of Florida.

“It’s about the healthcare of our people,” Frost said. “Working-class people are paying more than they ever have for everything — housing, groceries, gas. To add insult to injury, we are going to charge them double, if not 300% for health care, so billionaires can get a tax cut.”

Donalds said he hopes the shutdown will end soon and that, if elected governor, he can help continue Republican momentum in Florida.

“I think most voters, their biggest thing overall is, are we going to keep going,” he said.

Voters at the DeLand event said they are eager to see how the rest of the gubernatorial field shapes up in the coming months.