Black MAGA Lawmaker Condemns Republicans in Racist Group Chat

Florida Congressman Byron Donalds calls out 'vile and offensive' messages from local GOP student activists

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Byron Donalds, a pro-Trump Florida congressman and one of the few Black Republicans in Congress, issued a statement condemning a group of Florida College Republicans, Turning Point USA, and Miami GOP officials who were caught exchanging racist and antisemitic messages in a private group chat. Donalds said the comments 'run counter to the values our party stands for' and that 'free speech doesn't entitle someone to hold a leadership position' within the GOP.

Why it matters

The incident highlights ongoing tensions within the Republican Party over racism and extremism, especially as Donalds faces a primary challenge from a candidate who has made a series of racist remarks against him. It also raises questions about the party's efforts to appeal to a more diverse base of voters.

The details

The group chat was led by Miami Secretary Abel Alexander Carvajal and created after the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk last year. In the exchanges, local GOP student activists frequently used racial slurs to describe Black people, including those within their own group. Some of the most offensive comments came from William Bejerano, who previously tried to organize an anti-abortion group, as he flooded the chat with fantasies about killing and mutilating Black people.

  • The group chat was created in the aftermath of the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk in 2025.
  • Donalds issued his statement condemning the racist messages on March 5, 2026.

The players

Byron Donalds

A pro-Trump Florida congressman who is currently running for governor, and one of the few Black Republicans in Congress.

Abel Alexander Carvajal

The Miami Secretary who led the group chat containing the racist and antisemitic messages.

William Bejerano

A local GOP student activist who posted numerous fantasies about killing and mutilating Black people in the group chat.

James Fishback

A hedge fund manager who is running against Donalds in the Republican primary for Florida governor and has made a series of racist remarks against Donalds.

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What they’re saying

“Everyone has the First Amendment right to say what they want — even when it's vile and offensive. But free speech doesn't entitle someone to hold a leadership position within the Republican Party or the conservative movement. The comments reported run counter to the values our party stands for. The Republican Party rejects racism, antisemitism, and bigotry.”

— Byron Donalds, Congressman (The Floridian)

What’s next

The Republican Party will likely face increased scrutiny over its handling of racism and extremism within its ranks, especially as Donalds' primary race against Fishback continues.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing tensions within the Republican Party over issues of race and diversity, and the challenges the party faces in appealing to a broader, more inclusive base of voters while also addressing extremism from within its own ranks.