Congressman Byron Donalds Headlines 2025 Jackson County Reagan Day Dinner

Community leaders, party members, and supporters filled Evangel Church on Saturday, September 27, 2025, for the annual Jackson County Reagan Day Dinner, hosted by the Jackson County Republican Executive Committee (JCREC). The event celebrated conservative values, recognized local contributors, and featured an inspiring keynote address from Florida Congressman Byron Donalds, who is also a gubernatorial candidate.

The evening began with a warm welcome from Clint Pate, JCREC Chairman and Assistant Secretary of the Republican Party of Florida. Jovante Teague, Dixie County Republican Chairman and RPOF Vice Chairman, delivered the invocation, followed by the Civil Air Patrol presenting the colors. Amy Scipper Allen led the audience in the National Anthem, and Dr. David Bouvin, a local veteran, led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Republican Party of Florida Chairman Evan Power addressed the audience, offering updates and encouragement for continued party engagement, followed by remarks from Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingolia, who highlighted the state’s strong economic performance and commitment to fiscal responsibility.

When Congressman Byron Donalds took the stage, his remarks struck a personal and motivational tone. Reflecting on his background, Donalds shared that his early passion for sports taught him lessons in teamwork, leadership, and discipline. “I love sports. I still do. I love coaching my boys and kids in youth basketball and youth football,” he said, smiling as he recalled his time on the field. “I wish I could still coach. Politics takes me away from it—because I’m that guy that yells at referees about missed calls.”

He went on to explain how the 2008 financial collapse set him on an unexpected path into public service. “A funny thing happened in 2008—the financial collapse happened,” Donalds recounted. “I was working in my company, trying to save our investment, and I turned on this channel called C-SPAN that I had never watched a day in my life. There were congressional hearings about the financial collapse, and I’m watching these members of Congress, and I’m saying to myself, who are these people, and how could they be so dumb? Because they don’t know how the economy works. And I got mad at first—sound familiar to anybody? And then I got passionate.”

Donalds emphasized that same passion drives his work today as he seeks to preserve opportunity for Florida families. “We have to make sure that the burdens of living in Florida don’t overwhelm people and that they continue to choose to live and lead in Florida,” he said. “Whether that’s insurance, property taxes, or anything else, we have a responsibility to make sure people can still chase the American dream—the American dream here in Florida.”

Following his remarks, Jessica Chaddock, JCREC Vice Chairman and Secretary, presented the Richard A. Hand Scholarship, recognizing academic excellence and civic involvement among local students. Attendees also enjoyed a lively cake auction led by Auctioneer Kenny Griffin, with proceeds supporting local Republican efforts, and a silent auction coordinated by Thelma Beloat. Dinner was served by Jackson County FFA students, continuing the community spirit of the evening.

The night concluded with acknowledgments from Jim Peacock, Jackson County State Committeeman, who introduced event sponsors, and closing remarks from Chairman Clint Pate, who thanked all participants and volunteers for their ongoing support and dedication.

The Reagan Day Dinner remains one of Jackson County’s signature political gatherings—an evening that celebrates conservative leadership, honors President Ronald Reagan’s legacy, and this year, featured an inspiring message from Congressman Byron Donalds on faith, perseverance, and the promise of Florida’s future.

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