Byron Donalds has won Florida’s 2026 governor race, defeating Democrat David Jolly and securing the state’s top elected office after a closely watched campaign.
The Florida Department of State’s unofficial election-night results showed Donalds and running mate Bryan Avila with 4,001,135 votes, or 49.92 per cent, compared with 3,912,515 votes, or 48.82 per cent, for Jolly and Gwen Graham.
The reported margin was 88,620 votes, or about 1.1 percentage points, with the official canvassing and certification process still to follow.
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Byron Donalds becomes Florida’s first Black governor
Donalds’ victory makes him Florida’s first Black governor and the first elected Black Republican governor in the United States.
He will succeed Republican Gov.
Ron DeSantis, who is barred from seeking a third consecutive term under Florida’s term-limit rules.
Donalds, a Republican congressman from Florida, entered the governor’s race with the backing of President Donald Trump and won a crowded Republican primary on August 18, 2026.
His general-election campaign focused heavily on conservative priorities, public safety, immigration enforcement, education policy and opposition to what he described as Democratic efforts to raise taxes and expand government.
David Jolly concedes a competitive race
Jolly, a former Republican congressman who later became an independent before joining the Democratic Party, sought to make the race competitive in a state where Republicans have strengthened their position over the past decade.
He campaigned on lowering housing and property-insurance costs, protecting abortion access and presenting himself as a more moderate alternative to the Republican ticket.
The result continued the Republican Party’s hold on the Florida governor’s office, which has been in GOP hands since 1999.
Jolly’s campaign also drew national attention because he attempted to build a coalition of independent voters, moderate Republicans and Democrats in a state that was once considered a presidential swing state.
What happens next
Florida election officials must complete county canvassing, review provisional and overseas ballots and certify the statewide result before the outcome becomes final.
The state’s election website was listing the governor’s results as unofficial election-night totals.
Donalds and Avila are expected to take office in January 2027, beginning a four-year term in Tallahassee.
The incoming administration will face pressure on several issues that shaped the campaign, including insurance costs, housing affordability, storm recovery, school policy and the future direction of Florida’s relationship with the federal government.
Donalds will also inherit a state government where Republicans control the Legislature, giving the governor a broad opportunity to pursue the party’s agenda if lawmakers remain aligned with the new administration.
Florida governor race results
| Ticket | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Byron Donalds and Bryan Avila | Republican | 4,001,135 | 49.92% |
| David Jolly and Gwen Graham | Democratic | 3,912,515 | 48.82% |
| Scott Jewett and Nicole Skelly | Libertarian | 36,435 | 0.45% |
The result marks a major political milestone for Florida while preserving Republican control of the governor’s mansion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2026 Florida governor election?
Republican Byron Donalds won the Florida governor race over Democrat David Jolly, according to unofficial election-night results.
How many votes did Byron Donalds receive?
The Florida Department of State listed 4,001,135 votes for Byron Donalds and Bryan Avila, or 49.92 per cent of the reported total.
Who was Byron Donalds running against?
Donalds faced Democrat David Jolly, a former Republican congressman who ran with Gwen Graham.
Is Byron Donalds Florida’s first Black governor?
Yes. His election makes him Florida’s first Black governor and the first elected Black Republican governor in the United States.
When will Byron Donalds become governor?
Donalds is expected to take office in January 2027 after the statewide result is canvassed and certified.
Fact-Checked: Key vote totals, candidate information and election status were checked against Florida Department of State election records.
Disclaimer: The vote totals were reported as unofficial election-night results and may change before Florida certifies the final outcome.