WATCH: Byron Donalds brushes off GOP debate demands as rivals lag far behind in polls

By Fox News · Fox News

Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., is brushing off calls to debate his Republican rivals in Florida's gubernatorial race , arguing his opponents remain stuck in single-digits while he holds a commanding lead ahead of the Aug. 18 primary. "I've been consistent," Donalds told Fox News Digital when asked about criticism of his refusal to participate in debates. "These guys are in single digits. They stay in single digits." Donalds has argued there is no reason to debate given the large lead he has maintained throughout the campaign leading up to the primary. JOE LOMBARDO CRUISES PAST SIX GOP CHALLENGERS TO SECURE NEVADA REPUBLICAN GUBERNATORIAL NOMINATION The Florida Republican, retiring from the House to run for governor, has consistently polled at roughly 50%, with all his opponents trailing far behind in the single digits. His campaign has also vastly outraised the rest of the field — raising over $90 million. "They should spend their time going to see the people of Florida because they're not getting much support at all," Donalds said. Donalds entered the race with President Donald Trump's endorsement, giving him a major boost among MAGA voters. Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is term-limited, has not formally endorsed any specific candidate. His opponents include Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, former House Speaker Paul Renner and investor James Fishback. The three participated in a debate earlier this month — without Donalds — though he was mentioned consistently throughout conversations. Fishback has raised eyebrows with unconventional moves throughout his campaign – from using Tinder to "meet young female voters where they are" and proposing a "sin tax" which drew the ire of multiple women on OnlyFans . WATCH: MACE SAYS TRUMP'S ENDORSEMENT HASN'T SEALED SC GUBERNATORIAL RACE: ‘IT’S A DOG FIGHT’ Fishback recently attempted to disrupt one of Donalds' campaign events , where the controversial candidate stood outside and shouted for Donalds to participate in a GOP gubernatorial deb…