JD Vance Visits Lakeland, Asks Polk County Voters to Back Donalds and Moody on Nov. 3
Vice President JD Vance headlined a Republican midterm rally at Sun ‘n Fun in Lakeland on Thursday, Oct. 1, asking voters to support gubernatorial nominee Byron Donalds and U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody in the Nov. 3 general election. The Citrus Tea News attended the event, which the Republican National Committee organized inside Skylight Hangar A. You can watch Byron Donalds and Vice President JD Vance’s speeches below.
All of the speakers were Republican officeholders or nominees. The program included state Rep. Jennifer Canady of Lakeland, Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, Republican Party of Florida Chairman Evan Power, congressional nominees Mike Beltran and Sydney Gruters, U.S. Reps. Anna Paulina Luna and Scott Franklin, Moody and Donalds. Vance spoke last, beginning at 1:12 p.m.
The hangar holds up to 900 people, and there was no standing room left, said Michael McDevitt, who handled media logistics for the event. U.S. Rep. Scott Franklin acknowledged from the stage that many people were still outside and could not get into the building, and said he hoped they were able to watch the event.
Insurance, affordability and Amendment 3
Donalds said affordability would be his first priority as governor and pledged to lower homeowners insurance premiums by 20%. He did not outline how in his remarks. He also told the crowd he will vote for Amendment 3, the property tax measure on the November ballot, which needs 60% of the vote to pass.
Vance also spoke about insurance. “We have got to do more to ensure the insurance industry works for policyholders in the state of Florida,” he said. He credited the Trump administration with federal tax changes on tips, overtime and Social Security.
Collins, who ran against Donalds in the August Republican primary, spoke in support of the Republican ticket.
Canady focused on Polk County, pointing to local manufacturing and the SunTrax test facility in Auburndale. “We grow things, we make things, we build things,” she said.
On the ballot
Donalds, with running mate Bryan Avila, faces Jolly, with running mate Gwen Graham, for governor. Moody faces Nixon for U.S. Senate. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Several speakers criticized Democratic nominees David Jolly and Angie Nixon, and not every Republican is backing the ticket. A group called Republicans for Jolly launched Sept. 14 in St. Petersburg, the Florida Phoenix reported. In Polk County, Kelly Quinn, who ran in the August Republican primary for County Commission District 2, posted on Sept. 24 that she supports Jolly for governor.
The Citrus Tea has reached out for comment and to cover local Democrat Party events ahead of the midterms. We have not received a response prior to publishing and will follow up in a new post.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people attended the JD Vance rally in Lakeland?
The Sun ‘n Fun hangar holds up to 900 people and was filled with no standing room left, according to the event’s media logistics coordinator. Some people were unable to get in.
Who spoke at the JD Vance rally in Lakeland?
Republican officeholders and nominees, including Byron Donalds, Ashley Moody, Jay Collins, Anna Paulina Luna, Scott Franklin and Jennifer Canady, with Vice President JD Vance speaking last.
Who is running for Florida governor in 2026?
Republican Byron Donalds faces Democrat David Jolly on Nov. 3.
Who is running for U.S. Senate in Florida in 2026?
Republican Ashley Moody faces Democrat Angie Nixon.
When is the general election?
Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.
Disclaimer: The Citrus Tea News does not endorse candidates and is not here to tell you how to vote. We bring you the information so you can make your own informed decisions.
Sources: Sources: The Citrus Tea News, in person reporting at the Midterm Rally in Lakeland, Oct. 1, 2026; Michael McDevitt, event media logistics, email to The Citrus Tea News, Oct. 2, 2026; Florida Phoenix, “‘Republicans for Jolly’ effort launches in St. Petersburg,” Sept. 14, 2026; Kelly for Polk, Facebook post, Sept. 24, 2026; Florida Legislature, SJR 2F/HJR 1F, passed June 2, 2026
