By — Steven Sloan, Associated Press Steven Sloan, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-republican-byron-donalds-speaks-after-winning-election-for-governor-in-florida Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter WATCH: Republican Byron Donalds speaks after winning election for governor in Florida Politics Nov 3, 2026 10:45 PM EST 2026 ELECTION COVERAGE: Watch Live | Poll Closing Times | All Live Results | Live Updates | Live Fact Check Republican Rep. Byron Donalds was elected Florida's first Black governor on Tuesday, defeating Democrat David Jolly in an unexpectedly competitive race that tested the GOP's grip on President Donald Trump 's adopted home state. Donalds, a staunch Trump ally, will succeed outgoing Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, who used the office to fan presidential ambitions and steer the nation's third-most populous state further to the right. Donalds, who will become the nation's first elected Black Republican governor, fended off Jolly, a former Republican congressman who switched parties and ran a centrist campaign. Donalds thanked Trump in his victory speech to supporters in South Florida. Stand with free and independent journalism. Join Press Pass…
WATCH: Republican Byron Donalds speaks after winning election for governor in Florida
In short
Byron Donalds defeated Democrat David Jolly in an unexpectedly competitive gubernatorial race, succeeding outgoing Governor Ron DeSantis. The campaign addressed severe cost-of-living challenges, specifically focusing on elevated consumer prices and rising property insurance costs caused by severe storm damage. Donalds also made targeted appeals to Black voters while benefiting from a substantial GOP voter registration lead of roughly 1.5 million. His victory speech in South Florida praised Trump's backing and affirmed that the state would remain firmly conservative.
Key points
- The gubernatorial campaign focused heavily on voter frustrations regarding high consumer…: The gubernatorial campaign focused heavily on voter frustrations regarding high consumer prices and rising homeowners insurance costs.
- David Jolly ran a centrist Democratic campaign after previously serving in Congress as a…: David Jolly ran a centrist Democratic campaign after previously serving in Congress as a registered Republican.
- A substantial fundraising advantage and strong backing from Donald Trump helped secure th…: A substantial fundraising advantage and strong backing from Donald Trump helped secure the South Florida victory.