Republican Rep. Byron Donalds has defeated Democrat David Jolly to win Florida’s gubernatorial election, according to a call from the Decision Desk. Donalds will succeed Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, who was barred from seeking another term because of Florida’s gubernatorial term limits.

Donalds, who represents Florida’s 19th Congressional District, entered the race with the endorsement of President Donald Trump. He campaigned on tax relief, lowering insurance costs, expanding school choice and continuing the conservative policies pursued under DeSantis.

Before entering Congress in 2021, Donalds served in the Florida House of Representatives. He became one of the more prominent Republicans in the House and frequently aligned himself with Trump on national policy debates. His campaign emphasized his background in business and state government while presenting him as a candidate who would continue Florida’s direction under Republican leadership.

Jolly, a former Republican congressman who later switched to the Democratic Party, sought to return Democrats to the governor’s office for the first time since 1994. His campaign focused on affordability, property insurance, housing and education, while attempting to appeal to independent voters and Republicans dissatisfied with the state’s political direction.

The race drew national attention as Democrats sought to make gains in a state that has shifted increasingly toward Republicans in recent election cycles. Florida’s Republican voter-registration advantage and Donalds’ endorsement from Trump were central factors in the campaign.

Donalds’ victory keeps the governor’s office in Republican hands and positions him to take office in January 2027. He will become Florida’s first Black governor, a historic milestone for the state.