Republican Florida Rep. Byron Donalds has ignited speculation about the 2028 presidential race, declaring Ohio Sen. JD Vance as the current frontrunner for the GOP nomination. Speaking on the “FULL SEND PODCAST” on Thursday, Donalds praised Vance’s resilience and “success story,” suggesting he would be a formidable opponent for any Republican contender.
“What I will say is JD’s the leader in the clubhouse,” Donalds stated, comparing the current political landscape to the early rounds of the Masters golf tournament. “He’s got the lead.”
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Donalds’ endorsement comes amid growing attention to Vance’s rising prominence within the Republican Party.
Podcast host Kyle Forgeard echoed Donalds’ sentiment, calling Vance “a beast” and highlighting his adeptness at “going at the media.”
Donalds elaborated on Vance’s appeal, emphasizing his relatability and the challenges he has overcome. “JD is good. Really good. Incredibly smart,” Donalds said. “You know, he’s been through it in life. I think that’s what makes him … very relatable, ’cause JD’s life is not some silver-spooned kid who was positioned to become the next wave of political leadership.”
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Donalds drew parallels between Vance’s upbringing and the experiences of many in inner-city communities.
“A lot of guys, I think, in the inner city — like, I’m from the inner city — I think a lot of guys in the inner city, when they — some of them — if they take a chance to look at JD, what they realize is JD, although he grew up, you know, as a hillbilly, JD didn’t really grow up much different than a lot of us.”
He further detailed the hardships Vance faced, particularly his mother’s struggles with addiction, as chronicled in his 2016 memoir, “Hillbilly Elegy.”
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“Drugs in your community, drugs in your house — JD’s family life was much tougher than my family life,” Donalds explained. “He was able to persevere and overcome that, and still love his family, and still try to do good things. I mean, that’s a success story, man. And I think that’s why, you know, it’s going to be tough. It’s going to be tough for anybody that wants to take him on.”
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