Byron Donalds and his wife at the Republican Party of Florida victory rally in Tampa. Photo by Daria Mironova/WMNF News (Aug.20,2026)
Florida Republican candidates launched their statewide “Top of the Ticket” tour in Tampa on Thursday, rallying supporters around affordability, education, and conservative leadership ahead of the November general election
The event featured gubernatorial nominee Byron Donalds, U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody, Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia, and Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson. They thanked voters and praised Florida’s Republican leadership. They also said the general election is a pivotal moment for Florida’s future.
Voters weigh candidates and priorities
Attendees came for different reasons. Jaron Hicks described himself as an independent. He wanted to learn more about the candidates and Florida politics before choosing a side. Hicks said he wants “more effective leadership” and stronger public schools.
Sayra Rodriguez with her family at the RPOF victory rally. Photo by Daria Mironova/WMNF News (Aug.20, 2026)
Chad Courson wore a red Team USA soccer outfit to the rally. He said it represented his support for the country and the Republican Party. Courson wanted to encourage more friends to vote. He was especially interested in hearing Moody. He praised Florida’s lack of a state individual income tax.
Sayra Rodriguez moved to Tampa from Puerto Rico with her parents. She said her family attended the rally because it supports Byron Donalds.
“We expect a lot of rules and laws to support Florida state,” Rodriguez said. “This is the reason we support Byron.”
She urged people to stay confident in their values and avoid political negativity.
Donalds pitches affordability, education, and accountability
Donalds gave the evening’s longest speech. He said Florida should remain achievable, accountable, and affordable. He also focused on education. Donalds wants more career options for students who do not attend college.
“If a young man or a young lady is not going to college or university, let them have an internship or an apprenticeship, so they can hit the ground running when they graduate high school,” Donalds said.
He wants students to graduate with strong reading, writing, and math skills. He also said Florida should value technical credentials alongside college degrees.
Donalds also promised to review state and local spending.
“The accountability is simple. Every government in our state will be DOGE’d and will be audited. Everyone,” he said.
He said taxpayers deserve to know where public money goes. They should also understand the contracts their governments sign.
The 47-year-old gubernatorial nominee called for more changes to Florida’s property insurance system. He also supported eliminating homestead property taxes. If lawmakers cannot approve a broad plan, he wants relief to go first to seniors and working families.
Donalds backed law enforcement, conservation, and long-term water planning. He promised to complete Everglades restoration.
Moody sharpens contrast with democrats
Ashley Moody gave an energetic and sharply partisan speech. She focused on patriotism, free enterprise, public safety, and parental rights.
Moody linked American innovation and prosperity to freedom and private markets. She warned that Democratic policies would weaken law enforcement and border security.
Ashley Moody at the RPOF victory rally in Tampa. Photo by Daria Mironova/WMNF News (Aug.20, 2026)
Republican Sen. Ashley Moody highlighted that her husband works in law enforcement. She also recalled legal battles over pandemic restrictions on churches, schools, and businesses. Moody presented her race against Democratic nominee Angie Nixon as a choice over Florida’s conservative direction.
Ingoglia and Simpson stress unity and growth
Ingoglia focused on keeping Republicans in power in Florida. He called the election important for both Florida and the nation. Ingoglia stressed fiscal accountability, party unity, and conservative leadership. He summarized his message with the phrase, “America First, Florida Always.”
Simpson also addressed the supporters. He discussed Florida agriculture, conservation, and long-term growth.
Campaign turns toward November
The rally came two days after Florida’s primary. It marked the party’s shift toward the Nov. 3 general election.
The Tampa stop celebrated the Republican nominees and launched their coordinated campaign. It also gave voters a chance to hear from them directly.