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Byron Donalds Elected Florida's First Black Governor
· Confirmed
In Short: Florida voters elected Rep. Byron Donalds as the state's first Black governor, narrowly defeating Democratic challenger David Jolly.
Florida voters elected Rep. Byron Donalds as the state's first Black governor, narrowly defeating Democratic challenger David Jolly. The Associated Press called the race in Donalds' favor at 9:09 p.m., with over 95 percent of the votes counted.
Donalds, who is backed by former President Donald Trump, led Jolly by just 1.3 percent, or less than 102,000 votes, according to Breitbart. With 98 percent of the vote counted, Donalds had 4,091,479 votes, or 50.1%, while Jolly had 3,973,714 votes, or 48.6%, according to figures cited by ANI.
Speaking to supporters in South Florida, Donalds said he received two election night calls: one from Jolly, whom he congratulated on a hard-fought race, and the other from Trump. Trump told the crowd at the Ocean Center Arena, 'Hello, Florida. We love you, Florida,' and beseeched voters to head to the polls for the midterm election.
Donalds emphasized his commitment to building upon the success of outgoing Governor Ron DeSantis. He stated, 'Governor DeSantis has led our state tremendously, and now it’s taking all that success and then now building upon it. What are we going to do about the future of transportation in our state, making sure it’s easier for our citizens to move through our cities and move to the states. Insurance. We have to continue to do everything we can to drive prices low.'
Donalds also highlighted his goal to make Florida 'the financial capital of the world in a decade.' He said, 'Florida is the best place to live, work, and raise a family because of commonsense conservative champions, and Donalds will keep it that way by delivering historic wins for families, workers, seniors, veterans, and small businesses across the Sunshine State.'
During a summer interview with Breitbart News last year, Donalds said his governorship would be about taking the success of Gov. DeSantis and building upon it. He also noted that he was looking to capture 'north of 20%' of the black vote, after only around 13% of the demographic backed DeSantis’s reelection bid in 2022.
Donalds had served in Congress since 2021 before running for governor, to replace long-serving Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, who was term limited and could not run again. He is the first Black Republican ever elected governor, according to The Real Deal.
Donalds’ victory keeps the governor’s office in Republican hands while marking a historic milestone for Florida. The Republican congressman has won the race for governor of Florida, defeating Democrat David Jolly, according to The Quintessential Gentleman.
Donalds’ victory is a significant milestone for the Republican Party, with Donalds having been a big supporter of Trump and at one point on the short list to be his running mate in 2024, according to BBC.
What this adds
This report adds details on the narrow margin of victory and the specific vote counts, as well as Donalds' plans for the future of Florida. It also highlights the significance of Donalds' victory as the first Black Republican governor.
Background
Florida voters elected Byron Donalds as the state's first Black governor, with Donalds narrowly defeating David Jolly.
What's confirmed
- The Republican will become the state’s first Black governor.
- Republican Byron Donalds beat Democrat David Jolly in Florida's closely watched governor's race.
- With 98% of the vote counted, Donalds had 4,091,479 votes, or 50.1%, while Jolly had 3,973,714 votes, or 48.6%, according to the figures cited by ANI.
- The Republican congressman has won the race for governor of Florida, defeating Democrat David Jolly.
- The Associated Press called the race in Donalds' favor at 9:09 p.m.
- Byron Donalds to make history as the first Black Republican ever elected governor.
- Join Press Pass from PBS News "I want you to hear from Florida that we are still red," Donalds told the crowd.
What's still developing
- Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) officially has his successor lined up, as Floridians voted for Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) to take over as the next leader of the Sunshine State in what turned out to be a true nail-biter.
- "I am humbled and grateful beyond measure," Donalds said in a victory statement posted to X.
- Byron Donalds (R-FL) attends a midterm campaign rally on October 1, 2026 in Lakeland, Florida.
- Search donors to governors and discover which industries and special interest groups are supporting state leaders.
- OCHOPEE, Florida – The controversial “Alligator Alcatraz” immigration detention centre, a costly Florida facility that became a symbol of US President Donald Trump’s deportation drive, has shut down after less than a year in operation, officials said on June 25.
- The governor, alongside federal immigration officials, confirmed at a press conference in Ochopee that demobilization efforts were underway at the site he said has facilitated almost 21,000 deportations.
- Two other Black Republicans were running for governor Tuesday: Lisa Demuth in Minnesota and John James in Michigan.