Byron Donalds elected governor of Florida
U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds makes history as Florida's first Black governor, continuing the state's conservative leadership.
(Photo via NPR)
Republican U.S. Representative Byron Donalds won the Florida gubernatorial election on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, defeating Democratic challenger David Jolly. With 99% of the votes counted, Donalds secured 50% of the vote compared to 48.7% for Jolly, a margin of 108,481 ballots.
The victory makes Donalds the first Black governor in Florida's history and the first elected Black Republican governor in the United States. He will succeed outgoing Governor Ron DeSantis, who was ineligible to seek a third consecutive term.
Donalds, who received an early endorsement from President Donald Trump, campaigned on a platform of maintaining the conservative policies established during the DeSantis administration. Throughout the race, he focused on addressing the cost of living, including concerns regarding inflation, housing, and property insurance.
During his victory speech, Donalds addressed the competitiveness of the contest, stating that the state remains red. He also expressed gratitude to President Trump for his support during the campaign.
The governor-elect is scheduled to be sworn in as the 47th governor of Florida on Jan. 5, 2027.