Byron Donalds Wins Florida Governor Race

Republican Byron Donalds defeated Democrat David Jolly in the Florida governor race. Donalds promised to continue the policies of Ron DeSantis, focusing on affordability and deregulation.

Erika and Byron Donalds celebrate his election night win at the Seminole Ballroom at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood in unincorporated Broward County, Fla., on Nov. 3, 2026.

United States voters elected Republican U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds as governor of Florida, defeating Democrat David Jolly with 50.1% of the vote. The victory cements Florida's status as a Republican stronghold amid mixed results across the country. Donalds captured the statehouse by overcoming early-voting deficits and banking on a robust Election Day turnout.