Republican Byron Donalds has defeated Democrat David Jolly in the race for governor of Florida. He will become the first Black governor in the state’s history. He will also be the first Black Republican elected governor in the U.S.
With about 99% of votes counted, Donalds had 50% (about 4.13 million votes) and Jolly had 48.7% (about 4.02 million). Donalds said Jolly called him to congratulate him. Donalds called the election “hard-fought.” The result is not yet official.
The race proved unexpectedly close in the final stretch of the campaign. Republicans hold an advantage of about 1.5 million registered voters in Florida, and Donalds far outpaced his opponent in fundraising. According to financial data through Oct. 29, Donalds spent $165.9 million and Jolly spent $24.7 million.
During the campaign, Donalds, a Naples resident, promised to improve affordability in Florida. He wanted to lower property taxes, simplify building permit procedures and eliminate some surcharges on insurance premiums. He was endorsed early by President Donald Trump.
Bryan Avila, a former state senator from Miami, will serve as lieutenant governor. Donalds will take office on Jan. 5. He will succeed Ron DeSantis, who was barred from seeking a third term.
Donalds’ victory extends Republican control of Florida’s governor’s office, now 28 years, by another term. Jolly was once a Republican congressman, then was an independent for seven years, and joined the Democratic Party in 2025.
Source: Tampa Bay Times, Orlando Sentinel, Florida Phoenix
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Source: Słoneczne Radio
