Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Jolly announced he will not take part in any debates with Republican opponent Byron Donalds in the final weeks before the November 3 election. According to a report by Scripps News Service journalist Forrest Saunders, Jolly told the news outlet that he sees no value in a debate given what he described as the campaign’s hostile tone and Donalds’ alleged bad‑faith tactics. “Given the tenor of the current campaign environment, including Byron’s bad faith, debates this cycle would not create constructive, honest conversation and would only further stoke division, animosity and bad will,” Jolly said. He added that he had initially agreed to several forums but that Donalds had repeatedly declined debate invitations during the Republican primary season leading up to the August 18 primary. Jolly also criticized recent advertising by Donalds, saying the ads contain false claims that misrepresent his record. “His ads and allegations have repeatedly been found to be false,” Jolly asserted. “And it is clear he is simply looking for avenues to continue misleading Florida voters.” When asked about the possibility of Donalds complaining over the lack of debates, Jolly referenced a prior statement in which Donalds told GOP primary opponents that “It’s not my job” to platform his campaign. No official response from the Donalds campaign was reported as of Sunday afternoon. Jolly indicated he will continue to focus on the remaining six weeks of the campaign, aiming to bring new leadership to the state of Florida.