ESPN host Stephen A.Smith said Thursday that Rep.
Byron Donalds, R-Fla., could make him a Republican, praising the Trump-backed gubernatorial frontrunner days before Florida Republicans choose their nominee to succeed Gov.Ron DeSantis."And I ain't no d--- Republican.
But that mean if anybody could make me one, it would be him.I'm just going to keep it a buck.
I'm just letting you know," Smith said."He's the real deal.Make no mistake about it.
I've seen him battling with Democrats.I've seen him battling with people on different shows, whatever.
He ain't backing up.He knows his stuff.
OK? I talk to him all the time.All the time.
And I ain't got nothing bad to say about him," he added.A Donalds campaign official confirmed to Fox News Digital on Friday that Smith and Donalds are friends.Campaign communications director Gates McGavick said Donalds was attracting voters across demographic groups by focusing on affordability and public safety.Rep.
Byron Donalds, R-Fla., is the frontrunner to capture the GOP Florida gubernatorial nomination.(Al Diaz/Getty Images)FLORIDA GOP GUBERNATORIAL PRIMARY CANDIDATE SAYS AS GOVERNOR, HE'D 'SHUT DOWN' EVERY ABORTION CLINIC IN STATE"Byron Donalds is drawing support from Floridians of all backgrounds because he has a clear vision to make Florida more affordable, keep Floridians safe, and make sure the radical left stays out of the Sunshine State," McGavick said.
"He is building a broad coalition that puts common sense over crazy to lead Florida into the future."One GOP source's assessment provided to Fox News Digital on Friday focused on President Donald Trump's endorsement."Donalds is endorsed by POTUS and we fully expect him to win the primary," the source said.A James Madison Institute poll released Aug.6 placed Donalds at 49% among likely Republican primary voters, 31 points ahead of Lt.
Gov.Jay Collins.
Donalds' campaign had raised more than $90 million, as he faced Collins, former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner and in...