The only thing Byron Donalds has “soundly defeated” is the truth.

By Graham E. Whitaker

If Florida Democrats are “defeated,” why is Byron Donalds sweating at his own town halls?

In a desperate attempt to spin Florida’s political reality into a MAGA fairy tale, Congressman Byron Donalds recently claimed that Florida Democrats have been “soundly defeated.”

It’s a cute story — if you ignore the facts, the anger boiling across the state, and the cracks forming right under Donalds’ feet.

“Soundly Defeated”? Tell That to the Voters Donalds is Losing.

Let’s be real: if Democrats were truly “defeated,” Republicans wouldn’t still be rigging maps, purging voters, and rushing to criminalize dissent. You don’t go full authoritarian against a party you think is harmless—you panic when you know they’re getting stronger.

Donalds conveniently ignores the overperformance by Democrats in recent special elections—especially in places Republicans used to own without lifting a finger. CD-1 and CD-6 weren’t supposed to even be close. Yet they were. That’s not defeat. That’s the beginning of a serious problem for Donalds and his crew.

He can pretend it’s not happening, but reality has a way of kicking down the door—whether you’re ready or not.

The Florida Democratic Party: Rebuilding While Republicans Rot

Yes, the Florida Democratic Party has had its battles. But unlike Donalds’ party—where corruption and extremism are a feature, not a bug—Democrats are rebuilding with purpose.

Under Senate Leader Lori Berman and a surge of grassroots organizers fed up with Republican rule, Florida Democrats are sharpening their knives on real issues: clean water, housing, wages, education, and the freedom to live without government thugs breathing down your neck.

Meanwhile, the Republican Party’s only “vision” is banning books, bullying immigrants, and handing the keys to the state over to corporations.

Which one do you think has a future?

Byron Donalds’ Own Constituents Aren’t Buying It

Maybe Donalds would be more convincing if his own town halls weren’t melting down in front of him.

At a recent Estero event, voters didn’t come to fawn—they came to rage. They grilled Donalds over policies that hurt working families, veterans, and seniors.

Because guess what? Real people don’t care about MAGA talking points when their grocery bill is up 30%.

Donalds might be able to gaslight national outlets. He can’t gaslight the people who have to live with his votes.

Here’s the Truth Byron Donalds Won’t Say Out Loud

The Republican grip on Florida is not built on love or legitimacy.

It’s built on fear, gerrymandering, and voter suppression. And cracks are already showing.

Grassroots Democratic candidates are stepping up in every district. Voter registration is quietly shifting. And communities the GOP thought they could disenfranchise forever? They’re organizing.

Donalds may think he’s presiding over a conquered state.

He’s actually sitting on a powder keg—and Florida Democrats just found the matches.

About the Author

Graham E. Whitaker is a writer, organizer, and full-time pain in the side of the powerful. He believes in clean water, real democracy, and giving hell to the people who deserve it.