TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Brendon Leslie, founding father of Florida’s Voice, expressed frustration over inner divisions inside the conservative motion, urging Republicans to give attention to actual voter issues relatively than on-line feuds.
In a dialogue on Florida’s Voice Radio, Leslie criticized latest occasions hosted by Turning Level USA, saying they prioritized “petty on-line wars” over energizing younger voters forward of the 2026 elections.
“I received a information flash for Turning Level USA […] the individuals don’t go and vote in 2026 primarily based off of what Candace Owens, Ben Shapiro or Megyn Kelly are saying,” Leslie stated. “They’re voting off of what’s impacting their lives.”
Leslie, who launched Florida’s Voice as the biggest conservative media outlet within the Sunshine State, highlighted what he sees as a disconnect between social media narratives and on a regular basis Individuals. He pointed to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ 2024 presidential marketing campaign announcement on X, for instance of over-reliance on on-line platforms.
“It’s so silly for anybody to suppose what’s being stated on X is the heartbeat of the true individuals, and the overwhelming majority of voters, as a result of it’s not,” Leslie stated.
The dialog touched on broader conservative infighting, together with debates involving figures like Tucker Carlson, Candace Owens, and Ben Shapiro. Leslie advocated for an “80/20 rule” in alliances: If somebody agrees with you nearly all of the time, they’re a buddy, not an enemy.
“Everybody must […] begin getting again to that, as a result of that’s the place all these fights are coming,” he stated. “For those who’re not 1,000% excellent in my eyes, you’re an enemy. And it’s simply not how we’re going to win elections.”
Leslie utilized this precept to Vivek Ramaswamy’s bid for Ohio governor, acknowledging his private dislike for the candidate however affirming he would vote for him over a Democrat if he lived within the state.
“He’s going to be the Republican nominee in Ohio,” Leslie stated. “However I received that fraction of individuals […] saying, No, we’re not voting for Vivek […] What good does that do for America? How is that America first?”
Leslie additionally addressed criticism of U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., dismissing on-line assaults labeling him a RINO, Republican in title solely, as unrealistic.
“That’s what idiots on-line are saying,” Leslie stated. “And that’s why simply X is simply actually, I hate that we even have to speak about it as a result of I don’t wish to give it an excessive amount of life and allow it an excessive amount of. However actually, what you see on that platform is simply merely a false actuality.”
Because the interview wrapped up forward of the vacations, Leslie mirrored on Florida’s Voice’s progress in its first full calendar 12 months, thanking associates and listeners.
“Merry Christmas from the founding father of Florida’s Voice,” he stated. “All of us right here at Florida’s Voice. We’re very grateful, eternally grateful for all of the help.”
