Florida election results midterm 2026: Byron Donalds has won the 2026 Florida governor’s race, defeating Democratic candidate David Jolly in a closely watched election that will shape the political future of America’s third-most-populous state. The Republican congressman is set to become Florida’s first Black governor and the first Black Republican elected governor in US history, according to the Associated Press.
The Florida election results 2026 deliver an important victory for Republicans, who will retain control of the governor’s office after Ron DeSantis completes his second term. Donalds received strong backing from President Donald Trump during the campaign, making the contest an important test of Republican strength in a state that has become increasingly conservative.
However, the governor race Florida voters decided was about more than party politics. Housing affordability, property insurance premiums, inflation, healthcare expenses, economic growth and public education emerged as important campaign issues.
For Florida residents, the next question is how Donalds will translate his campaign promises into policies affecting household budgets and businesses across the state.
Florida Election Results 2026: Byron Donalds Defeats David Jolly
The Associated Press called the Florida governor’s race for Republican Byron Donalds after he defeated Democrat David Jolly in the November 3, 2026, general election.
The result keeps Florida’s governor’s office under Republican control. Donalds will succeed Ron DeSantis, who cannot seek another consecutive term under Florida’s constitutional term limits.
Jolly, a former Republican congressman who later joined the Democratic Party, entered the contest hoping to make Florida competitive again for Democrats. His campaign focused on affordability and criticized aspects of the state’s Republican-led political direction.
Donalds, meanwhile, presented himself as a candidate who would continue conservative policies while addressing concerns about the cost of living.
The race attracted national attention because Florida has become an important political base for Republicans and a major battleground in debates over immigration, economic policy, education and government regulation.
The election result also carries historical significance. Donalds will become Florida’s first Black governor, adding a milestone to the state’s political history.
Who Is Byron Donalds? Florida’s New Governor
Byron Donalds is a Republican politician who represented Florida in the US House of Representatives before running for governor.
He first entered Congress in 2021 after winning the 2020 election to represent a Southwest Florida district that includes areas around Naples and Fort Myers.
Donalds became a nationally recognized Republican figure through his involvement in conservative politics and his association with the House Freedom Caucus. He also received considerable attention during the 2023 Republican leadership battle in the House of Representatives.
President Donald Trump endorsed Donalds during the Florida Republican primary campaign. That support helped make him one of the most prominent Republican candidates in the state.
His campaign focused on conservative priorities, economic affordability, lower taxes and reducing costs for Florida households.
Donalds also discussed property insurance reform, healthcare price transparency and measures intended to support housing development.
His election now places him in charge of one of the most economically influential states in the country.
Byron Donalds vs David Jolly: Why the Florida Governor Race Mattered
The matchup between Byron Donalds and David Jolly offered Florida voters two different political approaches.
Donalds campaigned as a Trump-aligned Republican who supported continuing much of the conservative direction established under DeSantis.
Jolly presented himself as a Democrat with previous Republican experience. His political background allowed him to appeal to some voters who were dissatisfied with both major parties or uncomfortable with the state’s recent political direction.
The candidates also disagreed over economic and regulatory priorities.
Property insurance became one of the most important issues because Florida homeowners have faced rising premiums and concerns about the availability of coverage.
The candidates also offered contrasting positions on data centers, local development decisions and the future of Florida’s economic growth.
The contest was therefore about more than whether Florida would remain a Republican state. It was also about what direction the next governor would take on issues affecting residents, businesses and investors.
What Happened to David Jolly?
David Jolly lost the Florida governor’s election to Byron Donalds.
Jolly previously served as a Republican member of Congress before leaving the party and eventually joining the Democrats. His campaign attempted to attract independent voters and Floridians concerned about affordability and the state’s political direction.
Despite his defeat, the campaign demonstrated that Democrats continued to compete for voters in a state where Republicans have built a significant registration advantage.
The result also gives Democrats another opportunity to review their strategy in Florida before future statewide and federal elections.
Florida Governor Polls and Election Predictions
The Florida governor polls attracted national attention in the weeks leading up to Election Day.
Donalds entered the general election as the widely favored Republican candidate. Several political assessments identified him as having an advantage because of Florida’s recent voting patterns, Republican voter registration strength and his fundraising position.
However, election polling is not the same as an official vote count.
A poll measures voter preferences at a particular time. Actual election results depend on turnout, campaign activity, voter decisions and ballots counted on Election Day.
The 2026 contest also demonstrated why voters should distinguish between polling averages, individual surveys, election-night projections and certified results.
For people searching for Florida polls today, Florida governor polls, or Jolly vs Donalds polls, the most useful information comes from comparing reputable polling organizations and checking their methodology, sample size, field dates and margin of error.
The Associated Press race call provides the reported election outcome. Official state election authorities remain responsible for the formal certification process.
What Issues Will Byron Donalds Face as Florida Governor?
Donalds will inherit several major policy challenges when he takes office.
Florida’s economy is one of the largest in the United States, supported by tourism, real estate, construction, healthcare, agriculture, financial services and international trade.
The new governor will need to balance economic development with the everyday financial pressures facing residents.
1. Property Insurance Costs
Property insurance remains one of Florida’s most important political and economic issues.
Hurricanes, severe weather and rebuilding expenses have contributed to pressure on the state’s insurance market. Homeowners have faced concerns about rising premiums, policy availability and the long-term affordability of coverage.
Donalds has discussed supporting a stronger private insurance market and continuing efforts to reduce insurance costs.
Residents will watch whether his administration can improve competition, encourage insurers to operate in Florida and protect homeowners from excessive financial pressure.
2. Housing Affordability and Real Estate
Housing costs remain another major concern.
Florida has experienced population growth, increased housing demand and development pressure in several metropolitan areas. Rising property values and construction expenses have made affordability a challenge for many households.
Donalds has supported reducing unnecessary permitting requirements and encouraging housing development.
The effectiveness of those proposals will depend on implementation, local government cooperation, construction costs and broader economic conditions.
3. Taxes and Business Growth
Tax policy will be an important part of the new administration’s economic agenda.
Florida has no individual state income tax, but residents and businesses still face property taxes, sales taxes, insurance costs and other expenses.
Donalds has campaigned on conservative economic priorities, including tax relief and business-friendly policies.
Investors and business owners will pay attention to his proposals involving infrastructure, regulation, development incentives and state spending.
4. Healthcare Costs
Healthcare affordability is another issue facing Florida families.
The state has a large population of retirees and older residents, creating substantial demand for healthcare services, insurance coverage and long-term care.
Donalds has previously supported greater healthcare price transparency. His administration will face pressure to address medical costs while maintaining access to quality services.
5. Education and Public Safety
Education policy and public safety are also likely to remain central issues.
Florida’s governor has significant influence over education priorities, state funding and public policy. Decisions involving school choice, teacher recruitment, university funding and workforce training could affect families and employers.
Public safety, law enforcement and emergency preparedness will also remain important, particularly because Florida faces recurring hurricane and severe-weather risks.
Is Ron DeSantis Running for Governor Again?
No. Ron DeSantis is not eligible to run for another consecutive term as Florida governor in the 2026 election.
Florida’s constitution limits governors to two consecutive terms. DeSantis won the governorship in 2018 and secured reelection in 2022.
His departure created the opening for the 2026 Florida governor race.
Byron Donalds won the Republican nomination and subsequently defeated David Jolly in the general election.
DeSantis’ political influence may continue to shape Republican discussions in Florida, but the governor’s office will pass to Donalds after the transition and inauguration process.
Florida Midterm Elections 2026: What the Results Mean for Republicans
The Florida governor result is an important Republican victory during the 2026 midterm elections.
Donalds’ win reinforces the party’s position in a state that has shifted significantly toward Republicans in recent election cycles.
The outcome also gives Trump another political victory in a state where his influence remains substantial.
However, Florida’s governor result should not be confused with the national balance of power. The US House and Senate have separate contests, and their outcomes determine control of Congress.
The governor’s office has different responsibilities, including state budgets, executive appointments, administrative agencies and approval or veto of legislation.
The Florida result therefore has major consequences for state policy, even as national election watchers focus on congressional control.
Florida Election Results, Voting and Amendment 3
People searching for Florida voting results, live Florida election results, Florida election results 2026, and Florida midterm results should use official election reporting rather than relying on unverified social media posts.
Florida’s Division of Elections provides statewide election information, while individual county supervisors of elections publish local results and voting information.
The governor’s contest is also separate from ballot measures and constitutional amendments.
For example, searches involving Amendment 3 should be checked against the specific ballot language and official election information for the relevant election. A ballot amendment does not automatically determine the winner of the governor race.
Voters looking for Miami-Dade election results or county-level Florida voting results should consult their county election supervisor because statewide totals do not show how every local community voted.
For future elections, polling-place information and voting hours should also be checked with official election authorities. Florida’s polling-place closing times vary by location, with most of the state in the Eastern Time Zone and part of the Panhandle in the Central Time Zone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Byron Donalds and Florida Election Results
Who won the Florida governor election in 2026?
Republican Byron Donalds defeated Democrat David Jolly in the November 3, 2026, Florida governor election, according to the Associated Press.
Is Byron Donalds the first Black governor of Florida?
Yes. Donalds is set to become Florida’s first Black governor and the first Black Republican elected governor in US history.
Who did Byron Donalds defeat?
Donalds defeated former Republican congressman and Democratic candidate David Jolly.
Is Ron DeSantis running for governor again?
No. DeSantis is term-limited after serving two consecutive terms and cannot run for another consecutive term in 2026.
Is Florida a red or blue state?
Florida has increasingly favored Republican candidates in recent statewide and presidential elections. However, political outcomes can vary by election, candidate and county.
Where can I find Florida election results?
Florida’s official Division of Elections and county supervisors of elections provide election results, voting information and certification updates.
When do Florida polls close?
Most Florida polling locations close at 7 p.m. Eastern Time. In the western Panhandle, polling locations generally close at 7 p.m. Central Time. Voters should confirm their local polling information with election officials.
Final Takeaway: Byron Donalds Begins a Historic Chapter for Florida
Byron Donalds’ victory over David Jolly marks a historic moment in the 2026 Florida governor election.
His election keeps the governor’s office under Republican control while making him the first Black governor of Florida. The result also gives Donalds an opportunity to shape the state’s economic, insurance, housing, education and healthcare policies.
For Florida residents, the most important test begins after the election. They will want to see whether the new administration can address rising household costs, improve insurance affordability, support business growth and maintain the state’s economic competitiveness.
The 2026 Florida election results have settled the contest for governor. The next chapter will be defined by the policies Byron Donalds puts into action.
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Trusted Reference Links
- Associated Press – Byron Donalds elected Florida’s first Black governor
- Washington Post – Florida governor election results and policy issues
- News4JAX – Florida election results and county map
- WUFT – Florida governor race live updates and polling hours
- Florida Division of Elections
Important SEO note: I have not inserted invented vote totals or polling percentages. For searches such as Florida polls today, Jolly vs Donalds polls, and who is winning Florida governor race, keep the article focused on the confirmed race call rather than presenting outdated polling as live results.
