Byron Donalds wins Florida governorship with 50% of vote
The three-term congressman becomes the first Black Republican to hold the top executive office in the state, defeating former House member David Jolly in a tight contest.
By Madison Lewis ·
Byron Donalds secured the governor's mansion in Florida on Tuesday, becoming the first Black politician to win the statewide race. The Fox News Decision Desk projected his victory over Democratic rival David Jolly in a closely contested election. This win marks a historic shift in the Sunshine State's political leadership. Donalds will succeed term-limited Republican Governor Ron DeSantis.
The 50% vote share Donalds achieved in the general election places him ahead in a race that saw both candidates trade sharp attacks. Donalds, a three-term congressman from southwest Florida, framed the contest as a choice between stability and what he called radical socialism. Jolly, a former House member and lawyer, challenged that characterization. The result solidifies Donalds as the next leader of the nation's third most populous state.
Donalds positioned himself as the top ally of President Donald Trump within the House. He received the presidential endorsement in February of last year before formally launching his campaign. During the August Republican primary, Donalds won nearly half the vote. He defeated a crowded field that included Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins, former House Speaker Paul Renner, and business executive James Fishback.
The candidate from New York City entered politics after working in finance, insurance, and banking. He moved to Florida for college and joined the Republican Party in 2010 during the Tea Party era. Donalds served two terms in the Florida House before winning a congressional seat in 2016. His campaign focused heavily on affordability and public safety. He promised to invest in young people to help them attain the Florida Dream.
Jolly served as a top advisor to former Representative Bill Young and worked as a lobbyist before entering Congress. He won a special election in March 2014 and a full term later that year. After losing re-election in 2016, Jolly became a vocal critic of Trump on cable news. He left the Republican Party in 2018 and registered as a Democrat last year before running for governor.
The two candidates engaged in a heated debate over economic ideology. Donalds repeatedly accused Jolly of embracing radical socialism. Jolly rejected the claim, telling Fox News two weeks ago that he had condemned the Democratic Socialists of America hundreds of times. He called Donalds a liar for the characterization. This exchange defined much of the final weeks of the campaign.
Florida has shifted right over the past decade, moving away from its status as a major battleground. DeSantis won re-election in 2022 by nearly 20 points. Trump carried the state by 13 points in his 2024 presidential victory. Republicans currently hold a registered voter advantage of roughly 1.5 million in the state. Democrats remain competitive due to the current political climate facing the GOP.
Donalds posted a victory statement on X, describing himself as humbled and grateful. He pledged to give everything he has as governor. He outlined goals to make life in Florida more affordable and keep streets safe. He vowed to fight day and night to maintain the state's status as the envy of the nation.
