Tuesday's primary elections in Florida have determined the two contenders who will vie for the governor's seat in November.
Polls closed at 7:00 pm Eastern Time, and the anticipated outcomes were confirmed: the favorites from both parties prevailed without any surprises.
Republican Byron Donalds and Democrat David Jolly emerged victorious in their respective primaries and will face off on November 3 to decide who will succeed Ron DeSantis, who is barred by the Florida Constitution from seeking a third consecutive term.
Byron Donalds: Trump's Endorsed Candidate
On the Republican side, Byron Donalds, a 47-year-old congressman representing Florida's 19th District since 2021, secured the nomination with 48% of the vote.
Donalds has the explicit backing of President Donald Trump, solidifying the influence of the more conservative wing within the Florida Republican Party.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Donalds could become Florida's first African American governor if he wins in November. In U.S. history, there have only been three African American governors.
His platform includes tax cuts, reforms to insurance regulations to reduce consumer costs, and increased price transparency from healthcare providers.
In terms of foreign policy, Donalds has described the Cuban regime as a "brutal and murderous communist dictatorship that must fall" and advocates for a full regime change on the island, aligning himself with Florida's influential Cuban-American electorate, which numbers approximately 1.6 million.
David Jolly: The Ex-Republican Turned Democrat
On the Democratic side, David Jolly claimed victory comfortably with 61% of the vote.
A lawyer and television analyst, Jolly's political trajectory is unconventional: once a Republican, then an independent, he is now running under the Democratic banner.
Jolly, 53, hails from the Tampa Bay area and served in Congress from 2014 to 2017. He announced his gubernatorial candidacy in June 2025 as an outspoken critic of President Trump.
He selected former congresswoman Gwen Graham as his running mate, daughter of former senator and Florida governor Bob Graham, who also ran for governor in 2018.
Graham stated she accepted the role because she believes Florida is headed in the wrong direction and wants to help change that.
Jolly's campaign focuses on three main issues: making the economy work for everyone, addressing housing, insurance, healthcare, and education solutions, and protecting the rights of all individuals.
Florida Gubernatorial Race: Key Questions
Who are the candidates for Florida governor in the upcoming election?
The candidates are Republican Byron Donalds and Democrat David Jolly.
What are Byron Donalds' main campaign issues?
Donalds' platform focuses on tax cuts, insurance regulation reforms, and increased healthcare price transparency.
What distinguishes David Jolly's political journey?
Jolly has transitioned from being a Republican to an independent, and now a Democrat, making his political path unique.
What is the significance of Gwen Graham in Jolly's campaign?
Gwen Graham, daughter of former Florida governor Bob Graham, adds experience and a familiar political legacy to Jolly's campaign.