Byron Donalds Wins Florida Governor Race, Becoming State’s First Black Governor

Florida voters elected U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds as governor Tuesday, defeating Democrat David Jolly. With 99% of precincts reporting, Donalds had 50.1% of the vote to Jolly’s 48.7%, according to USA TODAY. Donalds is Florida’s first Black governor and, according to USA TODAY, the nation’s first Black Republican governor.

A close race in a Republican state

Donalds, a Republican congressman, will succeed Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is term-limited. His win kept the governor’s office in Republican hands. USA TODAY reported that Republicans have won every Florida governor race since 1998.

Trump endorsed Donalds early and held two late-October rallies for the Florida Republican ticket, according to USA TODAY. Donalds said Jolly called to concede, and that Trump also called. “We are still red, Mr. President,” Donalds said.

Donalds has promised to continue DeSantis policies on education, deregulation and immigration. On the campaign trail, USA TODAY reported, he said making Florida more affordable, lowering prescription prices, cutting taxes and insurance rates, and lowering housing costs were among his top priorities. He also backed expanding school voucher programs and a plan he called “Your doctor, your price” for upfront pricing transparency.

What Jolly campaigned on

Jolly, a former Republican congressman, focused on ending culture wars, reproductive freedom, improving teacher pay and creating a state fund to address home insurance rates, according to USA TODAY. He chose not to debate Donalds, saying Donalds was trying to dictate the format and location.

In his victory speech, Donalds said many Floridians were struggling with insurance bills and bank accounts. “Even if you didn’t vote for me, you have my word, I will be your governor too,” he said. He also said he would not tolerate racism of any kind.

Reporting based on coverage by USA TODAY.