Jolly Leads Donalds in Miami-Dade Early Count

Early Florida returns show Democrats ahead in Miami-Dade County for both the governor's race and the U.S. Senate seat.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Elections

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a low civic building silhouette with columns and a single palm tree against a pale horizon, evoking Florida's early election count. — Democrat David Jolly led Republican Byron Donalds 54.5% to 44% in early Miami-Dade County returns for Florida governor, while Democrat Angie Nixon trailed Republican incumbent Ashley Moody in the Senate race. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Democrat David Jolly held 54.5% of the Miami-Dade gubernatorial vote in early counts against Republican Byron Donalds at 44%. In the U.S. Senate race, Democrat Angie Nixon led Republican incumbent Ashley Moody in the county as of 7:30 p.m.

Why it matters

Miami-Dade is a major Florida population center, and the early returns come from early voting and mail-in ballots rather than the full Election Day tally. Florida's governor and Senate races will be decided on statewide totals, so county margins are one indicator among many.

Jolly's 54.5% in early Miami-Dade counts compares with Donalds' 44%, based on early voting and mail-in ballots. Election Day votes were still being tallied after polls closed at 7 p.m., so final county totals are not yet known.

The players

David Jolly

David Jolly is a Democrat, former Republican congressman, and a candidate for Florida governor in 2026.

Byron Donalds

Byron Donalds is a Republican U.S. representative from Florida and a candidate for governor in 2026.

Angie Nixon

Angie Nixon is a Democratic state senator from Florida and a candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2026.

Ashley Moody

Ashley Moody is the Republican incumbent U.S. senator from Florida who was appointed to the seat in 2025.

The details

Polls closed at 7 p.m. in Florida, and early counts reflecting early voting and mail-in ballots showed Democrats leading in Miami-Dade County. Election Day results had not been posted as of 7:15 p.m., leaving the final county margins unsettled.

2020: Ron DeSantis won Miami-Dade with 55% of the vote.
2024: Donald Trump received a similar Miami-Dade share, and Rick Scott repeated similar figures.
November 3, 2026: Election Day, with polls closing at 7 p.m. local time.

Political Context

Miami-Dade's 2020 vote for DeSantis at 55% serves as the benchmark against which the early 2026 returns can be measured. Republican strength in the county has been consistent in recent cycles, so a Democratic lead there would mark a notable departure.

Florida voters can track final county and statewide results as they are posted after the close of polls. The outcome of the governor and Senate races will determine state leadership and federal representation from Florida.

The takeaway

Early county counts can shift as Election Day ballots are added, so the Miami-Dade margins reported tonight may change before final results are set.

What happens next

Final Election Day results for Florida's governor and Senate races will be posted as county tallies are completed after polls closed at 7 p.m. on November 3, 2026.