By Cindy Banyai

As you’ve heard by now, Donald Trump has the coronavirus. His administration’s carelessness has led to numerous Republicans being exposed and infected.

My Republican opponent for Congress in District 19, Byron Donalds, met with the President in person, without wearing masks, just days before Trump tested positive.

Donalds has taken a test for COVID-19 and tested negatively, however he is still within the 14 day exposure window after being with Trump. He could still have the coronavirus, but he refuses to quarantine.

I’m disappointed that Byron Donalds doesn’t care enough about our community’s safety to follow CDC guidelines and quarantine. He is putting many people at risk of COVID-19 to make a political statement.

At our debate last week, Donalds reiterated his position that mask-wearing should be optional and voluntary. I disagree. I believe we have a responsibility to protect our community and ensure our residents are taking every precaution possible.

In the midst of a once-in-a-century global pandemic, we need real leadership. Republicans have shown they are not up to the challenge and America’s response has been unacceptable both at the state and national level.

I’m ready to fight for life saving aid for families and small businesses as well as implement CDC recommendations to control the virus.