This article was written by Gus Wilson and published on Sport & State, a new media company founded by Clay Travis that is built around sports, culture, original voices, and live conversation.
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With less than two months until election day, United States Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL) spent his Labor Day at an event many people would not have guessed in a million attempts — a fraternity tailgate at one of the biggest party schools in the country.
The candidate for governor was not spending his holiday partying with the brothers of Florida State University’s chapter of Theta Chi however. Donalds was using the event as an informal campaign stop to reach a demographic that is going to play a huge role in the upcoming election on Nov. 3.
Back at the alma mater. Once a Nole, always a Nole. 🍢 pic.twitter.com/p4r5a6gQqt
— Byron Donalds (@ByronDonalds) September 8, 2026
Donalds, who is an alumni of FSU and attended Florida A&M University prior to graduation, knows the importance of the votes does not vary based on age, job, or Greek life standing.
“We are asking for the vote from all Floridians, whether they’re in college, newly graduated, working families, or seniors,” Donalds said over the phone on why he chose to return to Tallahassee. “We want everybody’s support and that’s why you go to a tailgate just like you end up going to a church service.”
So he did exactly that.
GO NOLES! pic.twitter.com/FsbUP0xjaq
— Byron Donalds (@ByronDonalds) September 7, 2026
As a recent graduate of FSU, I can tell you how important the tailgate scene is on gameday. They are parties, plain and simple. If you want to seem more personable, which was Donalds’ plan, it is the perfect way to do so.
“Young people want to know that you’re a real person. They don’t want to just see the 30-second ad and hear some 10-point plan,” Donalds told Sport & State. “They want to know that you’re a real person. Are you cool? Can I actually talk to you? Can I take a picture? Can I take a selfie? Do you even know how to take a selfie?
“They were just excited that I actually came. They were excited to see me in person.”
Before attending the game against SMU, Donalds spent half an hour at the tailgate, introducing himself and hyping up the crowd before spending time speaking to those at the tailgates and taking pictures if they asked.
“It wasn’t just a photo op. He took the time and hung out and talked and took every picture that every guy wanted,” Theta Chi chapter advisor Steve Mudder explained.
Although Mudder and members of the fraternity were admittedly nervous prior to the candidate’s appearance, the nerves quickly turned to excitement when they introduced Donalds’ with the playing of the national anthem.
“The atmosphere at the house was ecstatic and very energetic. I think everyone thought this was an amazing opportunity for us to see the future governor,” Jack Mosher, a member of Theta Chi at the tailgate said.
“Everyone stopped in the middle of the tailgate for the national anthem, and there was a lot of pride and excitement,” one of the brothers, Gavin Bombara, stated. “Seeing everyone show support for our country, our school, and Byron made it a really cool moment.
It took both brothers by surprise. Initially, they thought it was going to be a quick moment that felt unnatural in the setting, but that was far from the case.
“I expected it to feel more like a campaign stop, but it ended up feeling pretty casual,” Bombara admitted. “His visit brought a lot of energy to the tailgate, and it felt like he was enjoying the moment with us. That stood out because I wasn’t sure what to expect beforehand.”
“I think having someone like Byron show up and support us makes an impression. Sometimes it feels like not many people stand up for us, so having him there meant a lot. I think that kind of support can encourage guys to get out and vote.”
“He was very kind and took his time with everyone that approached him,” Mosher added. “He got very relatable with us and told us what he wanted to do to make Florida a better state.”
Donalds partnered with conservative activist CJ Pearson who founded Next250, a PAC that is focused on the next generation of voters, to bring him on campus to appear at the tailgate, talk to students, take pictures, and visit his old stomping grounds.
Pearson reached out to Mudder to set up the appearance of Donalds for his first tailgate.
Donalds’ stop at the house is only the beginning when it comes to politicians reaching this demographic. The success of the appearance on both sides just makes sense moving forward as the potential Florida governor focuses on engagement with voters.
“It’s going to be a regular part of the campaign. But it’s not just going to be about campaigns… It’s also going to be about the way we govern. I intend to continue to just engage young people and really engage all people,” Donalds said. “It doesn’t matter what your age is or what your background is. I think that’s how you get your finger on the pulse of what’s happening.”
“To spend 30 minutes face-to-face and seeing someone there, interacting and talking to them, you can just tell that they’re like ‘Wow, this guy is genuine, he cares about us,’” Mudder added. “It’s 100% effective for them to be spending that personal one-on-one time. I recommend it. I think it’s an important part, especially now, on college campuses. I couldn’t have been happier with the event.”
Even though Donalds did not reveal the next fraternity stop during his campaign, the impact that will be made for the chapter will be one that is needed to get the college-aged demographic to vote.
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