NAPLES (VINnews)-Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., said Thursday he discussed key issues facing Florida residents during an appearance on Stephen A. Smith’s “Straight Shooter” program.

In a post on X accompanying a video clip from the interview, Donalds said the conversation covered affordability, property taxes, insurance, housing, education “and keeping the Florida Dream within reach for every family.”

“Florida is the greatest state in the country, and as Governor, I’ll fight to keep it that way,” Donalds wrote.

Donalds, who represents Florida’s 19th Congressional District and is the Trump-endorsed frontrunner in the Republican primary for governor, is seeking to succeed term-limited Gov. Ron DeSantis. The primary is scheduled for Aug. 18.

Affordability has been a central theme of Donalds’ campaign. He has repeatedly pointed to rising property taxes, homeowners insurance costs and housing prices as pressures on Florida families, and has backed efforts to provide tax relief while continuing policies he says have made the state a national leader.

Smith, the longtime sports commentator whose SiriusXM program also addresses politics and current events, hosted Donalds for the discussion. Donalds posted the clip shortly after the appearance, describing it as a “great conversation.”

Donalds, a former Florida state representative with a background in finance, banking and insurance, has led recent Republican primary polls by wide margins. He faces several challengers, including Lt. Gov. Jay Collins and others.