Donalds Wins Florida Governor Race

Republican Byron Donalds defeats Democrat David Jolly, becoming the first African American governor in Florida history.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Elections

Abstract editorial illustration of a deep red Florida peninsula silhouette on a cream field with a small dome form, evoking the state's political transition. — Republican Byron Donalds defeated Democrat David Jolly in Florida's governor's race Tuesday, becoming the state's first African American governor. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Republican Byron Donalds defeated Democrat David Jolly on Tuesday in the Florida governor's race, with unofficial results showing roughly 50 percent for Donalds and his running mate Bryan Avila against roughly 49 percent for Jolly and his running mate Graham. Jolly conceded the race Tuesday night.

Why it matters

Donalds will succeed term-limited Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, extending Republican control of the Florida governorship, which has been held by the party continuously since 1998. His win also makes him the first African American governor in Florida history.

Donalds, a Naples Republican representing Florida's 19th Congressional District since 2020, won the August Republican primary before prevailing in November. The Republican hold on the governorship dates to 1998, and the margin stayed close as votes were counted.

The players

Byron Donalds

A Naples Republican and U.S. representative for Florida's 19th Congressional District since 2020, he is a former state legislator who backed by Trump and DeSantis.

David Jolly

A former Republican U.S. representative from the Tampa Bay area who later became a Democrat and lost the governor's race.

Ron DeSantis

Florida's term-limited Republican governor who served two consecutive terms and endorsed Donalds.

The details

Donalds entered the general election with endorsements from President Donald Trump and DeSantis. He will take office in January with Avila, a former state senator from Miami-Dade County, as his running mate.

August: Donalds wins the Republican primary.
Tuesday, November 3, 2026: Donalds defeats Jolly; Jolly concedes that night.
January 2027: Donalds expected to be sworn in.

Political Context

Florida's governorship has remained in Republican hands since 1998, and Donalds's win continues that streak under the succession from DeSantis. Jolly, a former Republican who later turned Democrat, represented the opposition party's effort to break that pattern.

Florida voters will see a new governor take office in January, with policy direction shifting as Donalds succeeds DeSantis. Official certification of the results will determine when the outcome is fully settled.

The takeaway

Donalds's victory marks a historic milestone for Florida while preserving Republican leadership of the governorship. Voters watching the state should track official certification and the January transition.

What happens next

Donalds is expected to be sworn in in January 2027, and results will become official once counties complete canvassing and the state certifies the election.