Donalds wins Florida governorship
The congressman from Southwest Florida defeats David Jolly following a presidential endorsement.
By James Foster ·
Byron Donalds will serve as Florida's next governor after defeating David Jolly on Tuesday night. The win secures the top executive position in a state where registered Republicans outnumber Democrats by approximately 1.5 million.
Donalds represents Florida's 19th congressional district. He first entered state politics in 2016, serving two terms in the Florida House of Representatives before moving to the U.S. Congress in 2020. During his time in Washington, he became a leading voice in the House Freedom Caucus and a frequent commentator on conservative television networks.
The congressman built his national profile through outspoken positions on immigration, culture, and race. By 2023, he had emerged as a prominent surrogate for President Donald Trump. Populist colleagues nominated him for speaker of the House that same year.
President Trump formally endorsed Donalds in May 2026 at a rally in The Villages. "This guy's gonna be a great governor," the president told the crowd. The endorsement provided a decisive advantage in the Republican primary.
Donalds will be sworn in as the state's 47th governor on January 5, 2027. The result finalizes the leadership transition following the general election cycle.
The Florida Division of Elections provided the official figures for the contest. The outcome reflects a victory for a candidate who aligned closely with the president's populist wing of the party.
