Donalds Proposes Apprenticeship Program, Expulsions, and Ending Daylight Saving Time

Florida GOP governor candidate outlines policy agenda, including industry-led job training and congressional discipline.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:03pm

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A dynamic, abstract painting in shades of blue and violet, with overlapping geometric shapes and lines conveying a sense of motion and change related to Florida politics.Donalds' policy agenda could reshape Florida's political landscape through workforce development, congressional discipline, and ending daylight saving time.Coconut Creek Today

Republican gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds outlined a range of policy proposals during a campaign stop in Coconut Creek, Florida, including a new state-funded apprenticeship program, the potential expulsion of two congressional colleagues, and ending daylight saving time in the state. Donalds also discussed his support for the Trump administration's immigration and foreign policy positions.

Why it matters

Donalds' policy agenda reflects the priorities of the Republican base in Florida, focusing on issues like vocational training, congressional discipline, and cultural conservative causes. As the Trump-endorsed candidate, Donalds' proposals could have significant implications for the state if he is elected governor.

The details

Donalds announced his 'LaunchPad' initiative, which would expand tuition-free apprenticeship opportunities to train people for high-paying, high-demand careers in fields like construction, space trades, and skilled trades. He said the program would be industry-led and government-funded. Donalds also said he is prepared to vote for the expulsion of two of his congressional colleagues, U.S. Reps. Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales, and was open to supporting the expulsion of two Florida representatives, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick and Cory Mills, pending the results of ethics investigations. Additionally, Donalds said Florida should opt out of daylight saving time, without waiting for Congress to act.

  • This week could see the expulsion of U.S. Reps. Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales.
  • If the full Ethics Committee recommends expelling Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick in coming weeks, Donalds said he would likely vote yes.
  • Donalds said he wants to wait for the Ethics Committee to conclude its investigation before deciding on the potential expulsion of Rep. Cory Mills.

The players

Byron Donalds

The leading Republican candidate for governor of Florida, who is endorsed by former President Donald Trump.

Eric Swalwell

A Democratic U.S. Representative from California who is accused of sexual assault, which he has denied.

Tony Gonzales

A Republican U.S. Representative from Texas who is accused of sexual misconduct, which he has denied.

Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick

A Democratic U.S. Representative from Florida who is accused of financial and ethical wrongdoing, which she has denied.

Cory Mills

A Republican U.S. Representative from Florida who is accused of sexual misconduct, which he has denied.

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What they’re saying

“You can't do that at once. What's going to happen is it's going to be one at a time.”

— Byron Donalds, Republican Gubernatorial Candidate

“Yeah, I think it's time. We can just act on our own. We don't really need the other guys.”

— Byron Donalds, Republican Gubernatorial Candidate

What’s next

The House Ethics Committee is expected to conclude its investigations into Reps. Cherfilus-McCormick and Mills in the coming weeks, which could lead to Donalds voting on their potential expulsion from Congress.

The takeaway

Donalds' policy agenda reflects the priorities of the Republican base in Florida, focusing on issues like vocational training, congressional discipline, and cultural conservative causes. As the Trump-endorsed candidate, Donalds' proposals could have significant implications for the state if he is elected governor.