Republican Congressman Byron Donalds has won the Florida governorship, making history as the first Black Republican elected governor in the United States. The Associated Press called the race for Donalds, who secured 50% of the vote compared to Democratic challenger David Jolly's 49% with 98% of precincts reporting.
The election was far closer than anticipated, causing concern among Republicans throughout election night in a state that former President Donald Trump won by 13 points two years prior.
Donalds significantly outraised Jolly, spending approximately $140 million to Jolly's roughly $22 million. Despite a substantial cash advantage heading into the final weeks, Donalds saw the race tighten amid voter concerns about the economy and rising costs.
The gubernatorial contest was viewed as a gauge of Trump's influence in Florida, where he resides and votes. Trump had endorsed Donalds more than 18 months before the election and held two rallies for him in the final weeks.
Donalds also received support from Republican Governor Ron DeSantis and Senator Rick Scott, unifying a state GOP that had previously shown divisions between the governor and former president. Jolly, who previously served as a Republican congressman representing a Tampa Bay district, had become a vocal critic of Trump after leaving the party and ran as a Democrat.
Jolly received endorsements from prominent Democrats, including former President Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, who called Jolly "independent minded." Both candidates campaigned on affordability, with Jolly also proposing a moratorium on new data center construction.
Final polling leading up to the election showed Donalds with a lead, but the race had significantly narrowed from previous years. In 2022, DeSantis defeated his Democratic opponent, Charlie Crist, by over 19 points.
Donalds' victory maintains a Republican hold on the Florida governorship, a position Democrats have not won since 1994. His win provides Trump with a loyal ally leading the nation's third-largest state as Republicans look toward the 2028 presidential election.