Byron Donalds Wins Florida Governor’s Race.
The Republican congressman defeated Democrat David Jolly and is set to become Florida’s first Black governor. Miami-Dade state Sen. Bryan Avila will serve as lieutenant governor.
FLORIDA — Nov. 3, 2026. Republican Byron Donalds won Florida’s gubernatorial election Tuesday, defeating Democrat David Jolly in the race to succeed Gov. Ron DeSantis, whose second consecutive term ends in January 2027.
Donalds’ victory, projected by The Associated Press, keeps the governor’s office in Republican hands and marks a historic milestone as he prepares to become Florida’s first Black governor.
The 48-year-old congressman currently represents a Southwest Florida district that includes parts of Naples and Fort Myers. First elected to the U.S. House in 2020, Donalds has become a prominent figure in conservative Republican politics and received President Donald Trump’s endorsement during his campaign.
His Democratic opponent, David Jolly, also previously served in Congress. A former Republican, Jolly later joined the Democratic Party before becoming its nominee for governor.
Bryan Avila to Serve as Lieutenant Governor
Joining Donalds in the incoming administration is Republican state Sen. Bryan Avila, whose political career has deep roots in Miami-Dade County.
Born in Hialeah, Avila has served in both chambers of the Florida Legislature, including the state House and Senate.
His election brings a South Florida representative into the state’s executive leadership in Tallahassee.
Challenges Ahead for the New Administration
Donalds will take office in January 2027 as Florida faces ongoing concerns over the cost of living, housing affordability, property insurance, education and economic growth.
His administration will also oversee decisions involving infrastructure, public safety and development across a state experiencing continued demographic and economic changes.
For communities such as Doral and the rest of Miami-Dade County, state policies will have implications for transportation, education funding, urban development and public services.
Although The Associated Press has projected Donalds as the winner, election results remain subject to official certification.
Sources: The Associated Press and the Florida Division of Elections.