Byron Donalds wins Florida governor's race over David Jolly
Republican Byron Donalds has defeated Democrat David Jolly in the race for governor of Florida, the Associated Press called on November 3, 2026, according to NPR. Donalds will become the state's first Black governor, The Guardian reported.
Florida Phoenix reported that Donalds received 50% of the vote to Jolly's 48.7%. Donalds, who serves as a U.S. Representative, will succeed Republican Ron DeSantis, who cannot seek another term because of term limits and leaves office in January.
Donalds first had to win his party's nomination. He won nearly half the vote in Florida's August Republican primary, topping a crowded field of rivals, Fox News reported. DeSantis endorsed Donalds, and President Donald Trump also backed him. In the campaign's final days, Trump appeared with Donalds at rallies in Fort Myers and Daytona Beach.
Jolly drew support from prominent Democrats outside the state. Former President Barack Obama endorsed him, and former President Bill Clinton campaigned for him. A fundraiser for Jolly headlined by Clinton raised $3 million.
The result extends a long period of Republican control in Florida. NBC News noted that the win extends Republicans' three-decade run of dominance in state government.
