Breaking: Byron Donalds Elected Governor of Florida as Republicans Defend Key Stronghold
Republican congressman Byron Donalds won the Florida gubernatorial election on Tuesday.
The close win ensured the state’s top executive office will remain in Republican hands and cemented the GOP’s near-decade of dominance in the former national battleground state.
Donalds defeated Democratic nominee David Jolly, a former Republican congressman who ran a campaign aimed at attracting Democrats and independents.
The race was first called by Decision Desk HQ:
Decision Desk HQ projects Byron Donalds wins the FL Governor General Election
#DecisionMade: 8:28 PM EST
Follow live results here: https://t.co/kBjHEsIg6m https://t.co/BCbRqkHmFr
— Decision Desk HQ (@DecisionDeskHQ) November 4, 2026
He was initially considered a heavy favorite:
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FLORIDA GOVERNOR ODDS:
🟥 Byron Donalds: 61%
🟦 David Jolly: 39% https://t.co/gQDbvtjv6P— Kalshi Politics (@KalshiPolitics) November 2, 2026
Donalds’ victory preserves the GOP’s legislative trifecta in Tallahassee and ensures the continuation of the conservative policy framework established over the last eight years.
With his victory, Donalds also makes history as Florida’s first Black governor.
The election tested the political legacy of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who was limited to two terms.
Beginning in 2019, DeSantis created a business-friendly environment that attracted people from states nationwide.
After narrowly winning his first election in 2018, Florida’s outgoing governor made the Sunshine State a haven for liberty during the pandemic and during the four years Joe Biden was president.
Migration to the state gave Republicans an advantage that Jolly and Dmeocrats were unable to compete with.
Donalds will take the oath of office on Jan. 5 as Florida’s 47th governor.
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