Florida A&M cancels debate between Jolly and Donalds

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Florida A&M University announced Thursday it has canceled a planned televised gubernatorial debate between Democrat David Jolly and Republican Byron Donalds.

The cancellation comes days after Jolly said he wouldn’t debate Donalds in the general election, stating “You can’t debate a liar.”

Donalds responded, saying “David Jolly is hiding from Floridians. No shock there.”

“Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) is disappointed that our students will not have the opportunity to hear from the candidates for governor in a televised debate hosted on our campus this election season,” the university said in a statement.

The debate was initially scheduled to take place on Tuesday on FAMU’s Tallahassee campus. The one-hour debate would have been televised and streamed live statewide by Spectrum News.

“Hosting a statewide gubernatorial debate at FAMU is an incredible opportunity for our students to engage in thoughtful discussion about the issues shaping our state,” said FAMU Student Body President Kennedy Williams at the time. “We want our students to be informed, engaged, and confident in using their voices. Bringing this conversation to Rattler Nation gives students a front-row seat to the issues shaping Florida’s future and the opportunity to hear firsthand how the candidates plan to address them.”

Following the cancellation, the university said student interest in hearing directly from the candidates remains strong. In lieu of a debate, the Student Government Association has invited gubernatorial candidates to come engage with students before the general election.

“Each candidate will be offered an equal opportunity to share their platform, priorities and vision for our state,” the university said. “FAMU students represent a pivotal part of Florida's future. As an 1890 land-grant institution built on a covenant to fuel Florida's workforce pipeline, FAMU will be a critical partner in the next governor's success. The university looks forward to welcoming each candidate who accepts and to giving our students a direct voice in this important civic dialogue.”

Donalds’ campaign previously announced it challenged David Jolly to participate in three debates.

Meanwhile, Jolly has accused Donalds of lying about the issues, stating a debate would only hurt public discourse.