The Naples Republican was shaken by Kirk’s death.
Charlie Kirk[1], the conservative icon who was shot dead during a campus speaking engagement weeks ago, was planning some co-appearances with a candidate for Governor in the coming months.
“We were planning on doing campus tours throughout Florida over the next year,” said Rep. Byron Donalds[2] on Friday’s “Clay and Buck[3]” show.
While logistics were still being worked out among their teams, Kirk showcasing Donalds strongly indicates how the Turning Point USA founder saw the 2026 campaign shaking out.
During the segment, Donalds also described how he “doubled over” when he heard of Kirk’s shooting.
“My comms director called me out, which he almost never does. So I was like, uh oh, what’s happening? And, you know, he showed me the video. And honestly, I just doubled over. I doubled over. It was painful to watch. And, you know, you try to do your best to kind of stay on track and take care of your business. And then the news started coming across that Charlie had died from that assassin’s bullet.”
Donalds described Kirk as “special” and “one of one.”
“He has changed the political fabric in this country for conservatism. And he did it based on his dream of bringing young people into the political debate of what conservative policy actually is, what Western civilization is, how great that is, and why Judeo-Christian values are the value set that allows people to thrive and be successful. And I don’t think we would be in a position we are right now, not just as a Republican Party, but the conservative movement, without Charlie Kirk. He’s going to be missed, and he’s not going to be replaced.”
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References
- ^ Charlie Kirk (floridapolitics.com)
- ^ Byron Donalds (floridapolitics.com)
- ^ Clay and Buck (www.youtube.com)