Florida voters set up a high-profile general election matchup for governor Tuesday, choosing Republican U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds and Democrat David Jolly as their party nominees.
Donalds, a rising Republican star backed by President Donald Trump, will face Jolly, a former Republican congressman who later became an independent before joining the Democratic Party. The winner will succeed Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is barred from seeking a third consecutive term.
The contest will help determine Florida’s political direction after years of Republican control and will give voters a choice between two candidates with different party histories and visions for the state.
Donalds wins Republican nomination
Donalds won the Republican nomination after receiving Trump’s support in the primary. His victory puts him in position to seek the governorship as Florida’s first Black governor.
Donalds is part of a historic slate of Black gubernatorial nominees running across the country this year. There is currently one Black governor in the United States: Democrat Wes Moore of Maryland.
In a Facebook post after the primary, Donalds thanked his family, campaign team, volunteers and supporters across Florida. He also called for Republicans to unite behind his campaign.
“By working together, we can make Florida more affordable and defend the Florida Dream for our families, seniors, and young people,” Donalds wrote.
Donalds quickly turned his attention to the general election, accusing Jolly of supporting higher taxes and what he called the Democratic Party’s “radical left agenda.”
“Florida cannot afford Liberal David Jolly,” Donalds wrote, predicting that Jolly would lose again on Nov. 3.
Jolly captures Democratic nomination
Jolly won the Democratic nomination Tuesday night. His political career has included several party affiliations: He previously served as a Republican in Congress, later became an independent and eventually joined the Democratic Party.
His nomination gives Florida Democrats a candidate with experience in national politics and a potentially broader appeal to voters who may not identify strongly with the party’s progressive wing.
Jolly will now try to build a coalition in a state where Republicans have dominated statewide elections in recent years. His campaign will need to appeal to Democratic voters in major population centers while also competing for independents and moderate voters who could decide a close race.
A contest to replace DeSantis
The governor’s race comes as DeSantis reaches the end of his time in office. His tenure has shaped Florida’s national political identity, with the state becoming a center of conservative policy and a frequent focus of national political debates.
Donalds would seek to extend that direction while putting his own imprint on state government. In his Facebook statement, he said his priorities would include affordability and protecting what he called the “Florida Dream.”
Jolly is expected to offer voters an alternative to the Republican agenda that has guided the state during DeSantis’ administration. His campaign will likely focus on the future of Florida, the cost of living and whether voters want a change in political leadership.
What will shape the November race
The candidates will face several major tests before Election Day:
- Party unity: Donalds said Republicans must come together after the primary. Maintaining that coalition will be important as he moves into the general election.
- Democratic reach: Jolly will need to expand beyond the Democratic base in a state where Republicans hold a significant statewide advantage.
- Affordability: Both campaigns are likely to address the cost of living, taxes and the economic pressures facing Florida families, seniors and young people.
- National influence: Trump’s endorsement helped define the Republican primary, and national politics will remain part of the contest.
- Turnout: The governor’s race will share the ballot with the U.S. Senate contest between Republican Ashley Moody and Democrat Angie Nixon, along with congressional races that could affect participation across the state.
A consequential choice for Florida voters
Donalds enters the general election with Trump’s backing, a strong Republican base and the opportunity to make history. Jolly enters with a complicated political background and the challenge of competing statewide in a state that has moved firmly toward Republicans.
The November race will test whether Democrats can broaden their appeal in Florida and whether Republicans can maintain control of the governor’s mansion after DeSantis leaves office.
For Donalds, the message is unity, affordability and continued Republican leadership. For Jolly, the campaign will be an opportunity to present Florida voters with a different direction.
Florida voters will decide between them on Nov. 3.
This story incorporates information from The Associated Press and a Facebook post published by Republican gubernatorial nominee Byron Donalds.