Florida Governor Confronts Hecklers at GOP Event
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Florida Governor Confronts Hecklers at GOP Event
- Florida Governor Ron DeSantis challenged multiple hecklers at a Republican unity event in Tampa on Tuesday, September 2, 2026, suggesting that Democratic mega-donor George Soros was not "paying you enough."
- During the event, which featured DeSantis and four GOP candidates for statewide office, a protester interrupted gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds, prompting DeSantis to tell them to "pipe it down."
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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis faced several hecklers during a Republican unity event held in Tampa on Tuesday, September 2, 2026. The event, described as a “leadership forum,” featured DeSantis alongside Republican candidates for statewide offices: gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds, Attorney General James Uthmeier, CFO Blaise Ingoglia, and Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson.
DeSantis directly addressed one demonstrator, remarking, “Hey, Soros isn’t paying you enough ’cause you’re not very good at this. You should try again.” He also added, “This ain’t my first rodeo, lady. I’ve seen it all and you ain’t very good at it.” Protests continued throughout the evening, with another individual interrupting Byron Donalds’ remarks. DeSantis intervened again, telling the protester to “pipe it down, buddy,” while Donalds encouraged attendees to “ignore the hecklers.”
Later, when Ingoglia spoke about the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and their alleged “infiltration” of the Florida Democratic Party, another protester interjected. DeSantis then reiterated his belief that the DSA and socialists “do not have any solutions” and “cannot win on the battlefield of ideas,” resorting to “shout and disrupt.” DeSantis has frequently mentioned George Soros in his political rhetoric and fundraising efforts, dating back to his 2018 campaign. He has previously accused Soros of funding “extremists” and influencing the legal system.
This event is not the first time DeSantis has encountered protesters. He has faced interruptions at various events since 2023, including during a Hulk Hogan tribute in July 2025, a red snapper event in Destin, and appearances at the University of Florida in 2024 where he was met with pro-Palestinian slogans. He also dealt with protesters holding Pride flags in South Carolina in July 2023, and women chanting “Jews against DeSantis” in New Hampshire in 2023.