The Florida Republican Party has announced the date for two congressional debates to be held later this month, generating pushback from term-limited Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) and Republican candidates over its refusal to host a gubernatorial debate.

Florida GOP officials decided on Friday they would not host a debate before the gubernatorial primary on Aug. 18 because Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL), who’s running for governor, was the only candidate who met the state party’s internal qualification criteria based on polls and fundraising.

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