Ron DeSantis, Florida GOP announce Sunshine Summit debate lineups
With Ron DeSantis out of the picture, Democrats say more important things can get done.

DeSantis
Political pundits and Republican leaders are predicting a red wave in November.

Republican candidates from Florida’s 4th, 7th, 13th and 15th Congressional Districts will take the stage next week to debate leading issues in the GOP Primary.

Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Republican Party of Florida announced the lineup Wednesday for the debates, which will take place July 23 during the 2022 Sunshine Summit at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood. Political pundits and Republican leaders, like RPOF Executive Director Helen Aguirre Ferré, are predicting Republicans to perform well in the Midterms, with President Joe Biden’s approval ratings underwater across the nation and Florida.

“At a time when Florida is leading the nation as the beachhead for freedom, the Primary debates at this year’s Sunshine Summit are must-see events as we prepare for a red wave in November. Led by Gov. Ron DeSantis, Florida Republicans are energized to elect a strong slate of conservative candidates up and down the ballot this November.”

DeSantis and the RPOF announced the debates for the four Primaries last month. However, the latest announcement marks the first details since leadership announced the criteria that debate candidates must have polled at least 5% in the RPOF poll of each respective Primary or raised and publicly reported at least $100,000 in monetary contributions by Wednesday.

“It just gives an opportunity for the credible candidates,” DeSantis said last month. “This will be a great option for the candidates to go and talk about their visions and to contrast with their competitors.”

Florida’s Primary Election is set for Aug. 23.

In addition to the debates, the Sunshine Summit will host guest speakers, panel discussions and other programming featuring top Florida Republican officials and the nation’s leading conservative voices.

Below are the rosters for the four debates:

CD 4

Erick Aguilar

— State Sen. Aaron Bean

CD-7

Armando Al Santos

Erika Benfield

Brady Duke

Cory Mills

— Rusty Roberts

— State Rep. Anthony Sabatini

Scott Sturgill

CD 13

Kevin Hayslett

— Anna Paulina Luna

— Amanda Makki

CD 15

Demetries Grimes

— Former Secretary of State Laurel Lee

Kevin McGovern

— State Sen. Kelli Stargel

— State Rep. Jackie Toledo

Renzo Downey

Renzo Downey covers state government for Florida Politics. After graduating from Northwestern University in 2019, Renzo began his reporting career in the Lone Star State, covering state government for the Austin American-Statesman. Shoot Renzo an email at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @RenzoDowney.


6 comments

  • rose

    July 14, 2022 at 9:05 am

    Rona DeSatan, who wouldn’t know freedom if it kicked him in the butt, parrots Fix Entertainment in using “woke” as a put down. Bozo Rona, damn right I’m woke. I can see through your BS, Bozo. Freedom doesn’t entail a raped girl being forced to give birth to a rapist’s bastard child. You MF Rona, church and State are supposed to be separate in America. And in Florida, we the people amended our State Constitution to protect privacy rights- the State has no authority to prohibit a female from making her own health decisions. Yeah, Rona, we are woke and proud. I wish your Mother had aborted you, Rona.

  • Rose b woke

    July 14, 2022 at 6:47 pm

    We love our Governor here it Florida! Why don’t you move to California with the rest of the woketards? I’m sure you would fit right in…

  • Melania

    July 14, 2022 at 9:03 pm

    So so many are so so sick. DeSantis fatigue takes over state. So distasteful. Perhaps Don Jr should run and govern Florida.

  • Tom

    July 15, 2022 at 11:45 pm

    America’s Gov., Saved Florida.
    The very best! Just move!
    DeSantis wins!

  • Tom

    July 15, 2022 at 11:55 pm

    He’s the best!
    America’s Governor, the best Governor in Florida history.

  • Greg

    July 19, 2022 at 8:08 pm

    How did McGovern qualify? He only raised $16,900 far below the $100,000 required

Comments are closed.


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