Republican leaders gathered in Orlando over the weekend for the Florida Freedom Forum, but instead of presenting a unified front, the event highlighted escalating internal divisions within the state GOP. Janelle Irwin Taylor, publisher of Southeast Politics, joined The Ryan Gorman Show to unpack the political tensions that surfaced during the high-profile gathering.
"The biggest takeaway was this message from Republican leaders that they don't want people who don't share their political ideology coming into the state," Taylor explained. That sentiment, she noted, reinforces criticism of the GOP as a "small tent" party, despite longstanding claims of ideological diversity. The rhetoric extended beyond Democrats, even targeting Republicans seen as insufficiently conservative.
Among those criticized were U.S. Senator Rick Scott and expected RNC Chair Joe Gruters—both staunch conservatives. The remarks were widely interpreted as collateral in the ongoing feud between Governor Ron DeSantis and President Donald Trump, with figures like Gruters and Scott aligning with Trump's camp. "It doesn't make any sense if you're talking actual policy," Gorman noted, referencing the irony of labeling deeply conservative figures as RINOs.
Taylor suggested the GOP infighting may be a symptom of success: with a supermajority in the state legislature and most conservative priorities already enacted, there's little left on the agenda. "You're left with nothing else but to fight with your sisters and your brothers," she quipped. Notably, DeSantis did not speak in a prime-time slot, and Trump-aligned strategist Susie Wiles received a high-profile celebration, further underscoring intra-party friction.
Meanwhile, Democrats face an uphill battle in a state where the GOP enjoys a 1.3 million voter registration advantage. Possible gubernatorial candidates include former Republican David Jolly and former Congressman Al Lawson. Taylor outlined two strategic approaches: Jolly might appeal to moderates and independents, while Lawson could energize the party's progressive base. Still, without a major disruption—such as a political scandal or economic downturn—Democrats remain unlikely to reclaim influence in the near term.
For more insights into Florida's political landscape and how party dynamics could shift leading into 2026, listen to the full episode of The Ryan Gorman Show. Taylor also shares a surprising observation about Governor DeSantis' standing among his own party insiders that you won't want to miss.