Republican Byron Donalds has won the Florida governor’s race, defeating Democrat David Jolly and extending nearly three decades of unbroken Republican control over the governor’s mansion. Donalds succeeds Ron DeSantis, who left office after serving two terms, and becomes Florida’s first Black governor.
Donalds entered the race early with an endorsement from President Donald Trump and ran on continuing the state’s current direction: lower taxes, less regulation, and resistance to federal overreach into how Floridians live, work, and raise their families.
“Mr. President, I want you to hear from Florida that we are still red.”
After taking the stage to a packed room on election night, Donalds opened his remarks with a statement of faith before addressing policy.
“Before I say anything — I want to thank my LORD AND SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST.”
Donalds posted his thanks to supporters directly after the win: “We did it, Florida! THANK YOU!”
Before entering politics, Donalds worked as a credit analyst and portfolio manager. He was elected to the Florida House in 2016, where he worked on school choice and insurance policy, and has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2021, backing measures favoring lower taxes, border security, and reduced federal control over everyday life.
Affordability dominated his campaign message. Donalds pushed for tax cuts, changes to insurance regulation meant to bring down premiums, and more transparency in healthcare pricing so consumers can see what they’re actually paying for. Florida already has no state income tax, a structural advantage that has drawn residents and businesses away from higher-tax states in recent years. Property tax burdens remain a concern for homeowners, but Florida’s overall fiscal climate has stayed more attractive than many alternatives.
Florida’s approach during the COVID-19 pandemic set it apart from states that imposed extended lockdowns, school closures, and business mandates. Florida kept more of its economy and classrooms open, a decision that continued to shape its reputation as a state where personal and family decisions stay closer to the individual rather than being dictated from Tallahassee or Washington.
Donalds now takes on the job of turning campaign promises into results: insurance reform, tax relief, and continued resistance to expanding state power into areas better left to markets and families. Whether Florida keeps attracting residents fleeing higher taxes and heavier regulation elsewhere will depend on how well he delivers.
