Florida GOP Nomination
US Rep. Byron Donalds Wins Republican Nomination for Florida Governor, Defeating Ex-Rep David Jolly
U.S. Representative Byron Donalds has won the Republican nomination for Florida governor, according to AP News. He will face former U.S. Representative David Jolly, who secured the Democratic nomination. The two will go head-to-head in the fall to replace outgoing Governor Ron DeSantis.
The matchup sets up a high-profile contest for one of the largest states in the country. Florida has leaned Republican in recent election cycles, making Donalds the early favorite heading into the general election.
Byron Donalds Clinches GOP Nod in Florida
Donalds, a sitting U.S. Representative, locked up the Republican primary to run for governor of Florida. He is a conservative lawmaker known for his close ties to former President Donald Trump. His win in the primary was not seen as a major surprise given his strong support within the state's Republican Party.
Donalds has represented Florida's 19th Congressional District. He gained national attention during the drawn-out House Speaker vote in January 2023, when he was repeatedly nominated by conservatives as an alternative candidate.
David Jolly Returns to Win Democratic Primary
On the Democratic side, former U.S. Representative David Jolly claimed the party's nomination. Jolly is a former Republican who switched parties. He served in Congress representing a Tampa Bay-area district before leaving the House in 2017.
Jolly has been a frequent TV commentator and critic of the modern Republican Party. His crossover appeal could be a key asset in a general election, where independent voters often decide close races.
A Race to Replace Term-Limited Ron DeSantis
Governor Ron DeSantis cannot run again due to term limits. That opens the door for a new leader to take over one of the most politically important states in the country. Florida has a population of roughly 22 million people and a massive economy.
DeSantis rose to national fame during his two terms as governor. Whoever wins the fall race will inherit a state that has trended Republican but still features competitive pockets, especially in South Florida and the Tampa Bay region.
What to Watch as the Fall Campaign Begins
Donalds enters the general election as the favorite in a state that backed Trump by about three points in 2024. Republicans have won four straight governor's races in Florida. That history puts pressure on Jolly to find a new path to victory.
Jolly's bipartisan background could help him win over moderate Republicans and independents. However, Donalds will likely lean on his Trump ties and a well-funded Republican machine. The race is expected to be one of the most watched governor contests of the 2026 election cycle.
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