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3h ago

Byron Donalds Wins Florida Governor’s Race

The Trump‑backed Republican’s narrow, unofficial victory preserves GOP control of the governor’s office while signaling likely continuation of DeSantis‑era policy priorities.

During a one-on-one interview with CBS12 News reporter Katie Bente at the station's West Palm Beach studios in October, Jolly was asked whether his Republican background could help him win over voters from his former party. (WPEC)
The former Republican congressman turned Democrat is holding his election night watch party at the Tampa Convention Center, where he and his supporters will watch the results of his race against Republican Congressman Byron Donalds. (David Jolly Campaign Team)
{p}The former Republican congressman turned Democrat is holding his election night watch party at the Tampa Convention Center, where he and his supporters will watch the results of his race against Republican Congressman Byron Donalds. (David Jolly Campaign Team){/p}
{p}The race to become Florida’s next governor is now in the hands of voters across the state. Democrat David Jolly and Republican Byron Donalds are fighting to become Florida’s next governor and the race is neck and neck. (WPEC) {/p}

Overview

  • Multiple outlets projected Republican Byron Donalds defeated Democrat David Jolly based on vote tallies reported Tuesday, with unofficial returns showing roughly a one‑point margin.
  • News organizations say Donalds will be Florida’s first Black governor and some outlets additionally reported he would be the first Black Republican elected governor in U.S. history.
  • The outcome remains unofficial until county canvasses are completed and the state certifies the result, a standard process that several outlets cited after election‑night projections.
  • Donalds entered the race with a large financial edge and high‑profile backing, including President Trump’s endorsement and roughly $130 million raised by his campaign, which helped fund statewide outreach.
  • The result extends the GOP’s multi‑term control of the governor’s office and could affect state policy on taxes, school choice, homeowners insurance and data‑center rules while reshaping party outreach to Black and suburban voters.