Equal Ground Action Fund Statement on Election of Byron Donalds as Governor of Florida
The election of Byron Donalds as Florida's first Black governor is a historic moment for our state. It is a milestone that will be recorded in the history books and one that carries particular significance in a state where Black Floridians have fought for generations to secure their rightful place in our democracy.
Yet, while this election represents a historic first, in many respects, it also signals a continuation of the history Black Floridians have experienced over the last eight years.
By his own account, Governor-elect Donalds intends to continue many of the policies and priorities of his predecessor. Policies that we believe have weakened voting rights, created additional barriers to fair representation for Black communities, and failed to meet the growing needs of working families. They reflect an approach to governing that has resisted opportunities to expand access to affordable healthcare and too often prioritized the interests of wealthy corporations and powerful special interests over the needs of everyday Floridians who depend on essential services and safety-net programs.
This is a critical moment for Florida. And while Governor-elect Donalds has already secured his place in history, our hope is that his administration will choose to write a new chapter in that history.
One in which the governor chooses people over politics. One in which the needs of working families take precedence over partisan agendas. One in which access to the ballot, quality healthcare, economic opportunity, and fair representation are not determined by race, income, or political affiliation.
History will remember that Byron Donalds became Florida's first Black governor. But his legacy will ultimately be determined by what he does with the opportunity to govern and whether the people of Florida, particularly those who have too often been left behind, are better off because of his leadership.
Equal Ground Action Fund remains committed to protecting the rights and advancing the interests of the Black communities we serve. We stand ready to work with Governor-elect Donalds and his administration wherever there is an opportunity to advance policies that strengthen our democracy, expand opportunity, and improve the lives of all Floridians. We will also remain steadfast in holding his administration accountable to those principles and to the people it has been elected to serve.
