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November 4, 2026
By Stephen Iwuh | Dalena Reporters
Republican Congressman Byron Donalds has won Florida's gubernatorial election, defeating Democratic candidate David Jolly in a closely contested race to become the first Black governor in the state's history.
Donalds' victory, confirmed after the Associated Press called the race on Tuesday night, November 3, marks a historic milestone for Florida and the Republican Party. He will succeed outgoing Governor Ron DeSantis, who is constitutionally barred from seeking another consecutive term.
The 48-year-old Donalds, a strong ally of President Donald Trump, secured approximately 50.1 per cent of the vote, compared with 48.7 per cent for Jolly, according to preliminary state election results. The narrow margin reflected a competitive campaign in a state that has increasingly leaned towards Republicans in recent election cycles.
His election is particularly significant because Florida, despite its diverse population and nearly 180 years of statehood, had never elected a Black governor.
Donalds will also become the first Black Republican elected governor in American history, adding another historic dimension to the outcome of the 2026 midterm elections.
Trump-backed candidate secures victory
Donalds received strong political support from Trump, who endorsed him before he formally launched his gubernatorial campaign.
The president's endorsement helped establish Donalds as a leading Republican candidate and strengthened his position within the party's conservative political movement.
During his victory speech in Hollywood, Florida, Donalds thanked Trump for supporting his campaign and declared that the state remained firmly Republican.
He also promised to represent all Floridians, including those who voted for his Democratic opponent.
"Even if you didn't vote for me, you have my word that I will be your governor too," Donalds told supporters.
He further promised to make Florida more affordable, improve public safety and invest in opportunities for young people.
Donalds' victory will allow Republicans to retain control of the governor's office, which the party has held since 1999.
Who is Byron Donalds?
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Donalds built his career in the financial industry before entering politics.
He was first elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2016, where he served two terms before winning election to the US House of Representatives in 2020.
Representing Florida's 19th Congressional District, which covers parts of Southwest Florida, Donalds became increasingly influential within the Republican Party and emerged as one of Trump's prominent congressional allies.
He has consistently supported conservative positions on taxation, immigration, education and government spending.
His political journey has also attracted attention because he was previously a Democrat before leaving the party in 2010 and becoming a Republican.
During the gubernatorial campaign, Donalds sought to broaden his appeal beyond traditional Republican voters, including making efforts to attract support from Black communities.
Affordability and insurance costs dominated the campaign
Although Donalds' historic achievement attracted national attention, economic concerns were central to the election.
Florida residents have faced significant increases in housing expenses, insurance premiums and other household costs.
The state's property insurance market became one of the most important issues in the campaign, particularly because Florida is regularly exposed to hurricanes and other severe weather events.
Donalds promised to work towards reducing property insurance costs for homeowners and businesses, arguing that residents should not have to struggle to maintain their homes because of increasingly expensive insurance policies.
He also supported policies aimed at reducing taxes, encouraging economic development and maintaining Florida's attractiveness to businesses and people relocating from other states.
His Democratic opponent, David Jolly, also made affordability a central campaign issue but argued that the Republican administration's policies had contributed to the financial pressures facing residents.
Jolly criticised Donalds' positions on insurance, housing and artificial intelligence data centres, warning that large-scale developments could increase pressure on electricity and water supplies.
The two candidates therefore presented different approaches to addressing the state's economic and infrastructure challenges.
David Jolly concedes defeat
Jolly, a former Republican congressman who later became a Democrat, acknowledged his defeat and addressed supporters after the election results became clear.
He had attempted to build a coalition of Democrats, independent voters and Republicans dissatisfied with Trump's leadership.
His campaign focused on the cost of living, housing affordability, healthcare and the potential economic consequences of certain state development policies.
However, Donalds entered the election with a considerable financial advantage and strong support from the Republican Party's political organisation.
Campaign finance records showed that Donalds and his affiliated political committee had raised and spent substantially more money than Jolly's campaign.
According to figures reported by Florida's News Service, Donalds' campaign and affiliated committee spent approximately $165.9 million, compared with about $24.7 million spent by Jolly's campaign and committee through October 29.
The financial gap, combined with Republican voter-registration advantages and the party's election-day mobilisation efforts, contributed to Donalds' victory.
A historic moment for Black political representation
Donalds' election adds Florida to a growing list of states that have elected Black governors.
His victory also comes during a historic midterm election in which several Black candidates secured major statewide victories across the United States.
The 2026 elections have brought increased attention to political representation, with candidates from different racial and political backgrounds achieving significant breakthroughs.
Donalds' achievement is particularly notable because he will become the first Black Republican elected governor in the country's history.
His election also demonstrates that historic political milestones can emerge from different ideological and party backgrounds.
While his Republican policies differ considerably from those of many Democratic leaders, his victory represents a significant development in the history of Black representation in American state government.
What happens next?
Donalds is scheduled to assume office on January 5, 2027, succeeding DeSantis after eight years of Republican leadership under the outgoing governor.
His administration will inherit several major challenges, including property insurance affordability, housing availability, healthcare access, education funding, infrastructure development and the financial pressures affecting Florida households.
He has also indicated that he intends to continue several elements of DeSantis' conservative policy agenda while pursuing his own priorities.
The transition will be closely watched because Florida remains one of America's most populous and economically influential states.
For Donalds, the challenge will be turning his campaign promises into policies that deliver measurable improvements for residents across the state.
His victory has already secured a place in American political history. However, the success of his governorship will ultimately be judged by how his administration addresses the economic and social challenges facing Floridians.