TALLAHASSEE – Despite promises that a conflict with Iran would be “succinct,” Floridians are facing the reality of a volatile, five-month-long war with no end in sight. This conflict has placed immense strain on Florida’s economy, yet continues to garner support from Florida’s congressional delegation, including gubernatorial hopeful Byron Donalds.

“When you open your bills this month, remember who is responsible: Byron Donalds voted twice to continue a reckless war in Iran – a war that has cost your household over $1,100 so far in higher gas prices, groceries, and basic necessities,” said Florida Watch Executive Director Natasha Sutherland. “While working families and seniors struggle under the weight of an unprecedented affordability crisis, Donalds has rubber-stamped the President’s agenda that has raised the cost of living by imposing tariffs, cutting your health care to give tax breaks to the ultra-wealthy, and now fueling unnecessary wars, while doing nothing to bring down costs for the everyday Floridians he was elected to serve. Hardworking Floridians are doing everything right, but as long as politicians like Byron Donalds prioritize a senseless war over practical solutions to the affordability crisis, costs will continue to rise.”

According to reports from the Center for American Progress, the cost of the war so far is about $1,100 per household, considering energy, groceries, airfare, borrowing, plus military spending. 

“By blindly backing Trump’s war, Byron Donalds is fueling the economic pain felt at every Florida gas pump and in every grocery aisle. It’s time he did the job he was elected to do and started protecting the hardworking families here in Florida,” said Sutherland.

###

Florida Watch is a communications and research organization that serves as the progressive community’s in-state hub for message development, digital communications, and research. Florida Watch keeps an eye on everything that goes on in our state to hold our elected officials accountable when they support laws and policies that make it harder for everyday Floridians to be healthy, prosperous, and safe.

You can follow along with Florida Watch on social media on X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.