Governor Luca Monroe: Special Report with Bret Baier.
Bret Baier: Governor, you're campaigning for another term with Florida's future at stake. Why should voters give you four more years?
Governor Monroe: Because I'm not finished working for this state, Bret. It's as simple as that. I didn't walk into the governor's office thinking I could fix every problem overnight, and I'm not going to stand here and pretend I have. But we've made health and fitness a priority, we've stood firmly behind law enforcement, and we've continued fighting for an education system that gives our kids a real shot at success. I'm proud of that. Do I have more to do? Absolutely. Every governor does. But I know what I came here to accomplish, and I'm asking Floridians to give me the opportunity to keep doing it.
Bret Baier: Your opponent is facing allegations involving EBT fraud. How serious are these allegations, and can someone facing these questions credibly lead Florida?
Governor Monroe: Look, Bret, when we're talking about public assistance, we're talking about money intended for families who are struggling to put food on the table. Real families. Parents who are trying to make ends meet and people who need a little help getting through a difficult time. So yes, I take allegations of fraud seriously. I think any responsible person should. Now, I'm not the investigator, and I'm certainly not the judge. That's not my job, and I'm not going to pretend otherwise. However, if you're asking the people of Florida to trust you with their state, you ought to be prepared to answer difficult questions. That's part of the responsibility.
Bret Baier: Your opponent could argue these allegations are politically motivated. What evidence should Floridians consider before drawing their own conclusions?
Governor Monroe: Well, that's for the facts to establish, isn't it? I'm not interested in turning an allegation into a conviction just because it's politically convenient. That's not how this works. But I also don't believe that calling something a political attack automatically makes the questions disappear. If there's nothing to hide, then answer the questions. Show the public what can be shown, cooperate with the appropriate authorities, and let the process do its job. My campaign isn't built on one controversy involving my opponent. It's built on what I believe Florida needs over the next four years. Accountability matters, and I'm not going to apologize for saying so.
Bret Baier: Governor, rumors have surfaced about trouble in your marriage and a possible divorce. Are these rumors true, and do voters deserve an answer?
Monroe briefly pauses before responding.
Governor Monroe: Bret, I knew we'd get here eventually. He gives a restrained smile. Listen, I understand the job I signed up for. I understand that people are curious about the person behind the title, and I'm not naive enough to believe that being governor means my life is completely off-limits. But there's a difference between public accountability and turning somebody's family into a headline. My wife is not running for governor. My family didn't ask for this campaign, and they shouldn't have to answer for every rumor that finds its way onto the internet. I'm going to protect their privacy, and I once again make no apologies for that.
Bret Baier: Governor, there’s been speculation about your relationship with your male assistant and business partner, Braxton St. John. Some are questioning whether there’s more to the relationship and what that means for your marriage. What do you say to that?
Governor Monroe: Honestly, Bret, I think people are reading a little too much into things. Braxton works with me, we have a good relationship, and I trust him. That’s it. I’m not going to entertain every rumor that comes along, especially when it involves my family or someone who works for me.
Bret Baier: So you’re denying there’s anything romantic between you?
Governor Monroe: I’m saying my relationship with Braxton is nobody’s business but ours. I understand I’m the governor, and people are going to talk, but I’m here to discuss Florida and my record, not feed the rumor mill.
Bret Baier: Governor, let’s be honest. You’re a conservative Republican running on family values, and now there are rumors about you and your male assistant that have people questioning your marriage. Do you see how that looks? Is there a double standard here, or do you believe your personal life should be off-limits even when it appears to contradict the values you represent?
Governor Monroe: Bret, you managed to fit about five accusations into one question. He lets out a brief laugh before turning serious. Look, I knew this job came with scrutiny. I just didn’t realize having a trusted assistant would become a national mystery. I’m happy to defend my values, and entertaining rumors for good television isn't one of them. If you have a question about my marriage, ask me. If you have evidence of wrongdoing, put it on the table. All of this speculation? I think Florida has bigger problems to worry about.
Bret Baier: But, Governor, this goes beyond having a trusted assistant. There are reports of you and Braxton being seen entering and leaving the same hotel. For a married conservative Republican who campaigns on family values, you have to understand why people are asking questions. What exactly happened at that hotel?
Governor Monroe: I knew those pictures were gonna come up eventually. Look, Braxton works closely with me. We travel, we attend events, we have meetings. I can’t control what somebody does with a picture or what story they decide to build around it. I understand how it looks, I do. But there’s a lot more to a situation than what you see in a photograph. I love Braxton.. as a friend and trusted confidant.
Bret Baier: You're facing a contentious campaign, allegations against your opponent, and scrutiny of your personal life. How do you keep these distractions from affecting your ability to govern?
Governor Monroe: By getting up in the morning and doing my job, Bret. I mean that sincerely. There are people in this state who are working two jobs, raising three kids, caring for aging parents, and trying to figure out how they're going to afford next month's bills. They don't get to put their responsibilities on pause because they're having a difficult week. Neither do I. I'm human. Of course the scrutiny gets exhausting sometimes. Anyone who tells you that public life never gets to them is probably selling you something. But I have a responsibility to millions of Floridians, and I take that seriously. Whatever is happening around me, I still have to show up and deliver for them.
Bret Baier: Floridians are concerned about housing, groceries, insurance, and the cost of everyday life. What do you say to families who feel economic progress hasn't reached their wallets?
Governor Monroe: First, I'd tell them I hear them. And I don't mean that as some campaign line that sounds good on a podium. If you're working forty hours a week, doing everything you're supposed to do, and still feeling like you're falling behind, I understand why you're frustrated. Nobody should feel that buying a home or raising a family in Florida is becoming an impossible dream. We have to keep pushing on affordability, housing opportunities, and the costs that are squeezing working families. I'm proud of the progress we've made. They deserve solutions, and I intend to keep fighting for them.
Bret Baier: You've made health and fitness a central part of your administration. Critics say your initiatives are unrealistic or that government shouldn't be involved in these decisions. What's your response?
Governor Monroe: I'm glad you brought that up, because I think there's a misunderstanding about what I'm trying to accomplish. I'm not interested in telling people what they should look like, what they should weigh, or how they should live their lives. That's their business. But I do believe we have a responsibility to make healthier choices more accessible, particularly for our children. We talk about healthcare costs, childhood wellness, mental well-being, and the importance of physical education. These things are connected. Why wouldn't we want to give people more opportunities to take care of themselves? And if somebody disagrees with a particular policy, fine. Let's debate it. To me, it's about giving people more freedom to live well.
Bret Baier: You've made support for law enforcement a cornerstone of your administration. What have you done to make Florida safer, and what would another term accomplish?
Governor Monroe: Every parent wants to know that their child can walk into school safely. Every family wants to feel comfortable in their own neighborhood. And every officer who puts on that uniform deserves to know that their state stands behind them when they do their jobs lawfully and responsibly. That's the standard I believe in. We've made public safety a priority, and I'm not interested in backing away from that commitment because it's politically controversial in some circles. But supporting law enforcement also means expecting professionalism, accountability, and results. Those things aren't mutually exclusive. If Floridians give me another term, we'll continue working toward safer communities, stronger partnerships with law enforcement, and a justice system that protects the rights of the people it serves.
Bret Baier: Governor, if an undecided voter is concerned about your record, your personal life, or the direction of Florida, why should they trust you with another four years?
Governor Monroe: First off, I wouldn't expect them to agree with me on everything. That's not realistic, and frankly, that's not what I want. I want Floridians to ask questions. I want them to challenge me when they think I've gotten something wrong. That's their right, and it's my responsibility to listen. But I also want them to look at the whole picture. Look at what we've worked toward, look at the priorities we've fought for, and look at the future we're trying to build. I love this state. I believe in the people who call it home, and I believe we can continue making it a place where families feel safe, where children have opportunities, and where hard work means something. I'm not asking anybody to believe I'm perfect. I'm asking them to judge me on my work, my principles, and what I'm prepared to do next. At the end of the day, that decision belongs to the people of Florida. It should always belong to them.
Bret Baier: Governor, I appreciate you sitting down with us tonight. And if some of my questions felt a little tough, I apologize, but it’s my job to ask what people at home are wondering. Thank you for your time.
Governor Monroe: No hard feelings, Bret. I knew what I was signing up for. He offers a small smile.Thank you for having me. Always good to have a conversation, even when it gets a little uncomfortable.