Byron Donalds Wins Florida Governorship, Ending Three-Decade Democratic Drought
Republican Byron Donalds has defeated Democrat David Jolly to become Florida’s next governor, extending the GOP’s control of the state’s highest office for nearly three decades. Donalds, who raised $130 million and secured early support from President Trump, was widely favored in a state that has not elected a Democratic governor since 1994. Although Jolly narrowed the gap compared to previous contests, he lacked national Democratic support and faced criticism for refusing to debate his opponent. Donalds will be sworn in next year, becoming Florida’s first Black governor and the fifth consecutive Republican to hold the position.