Donalds defeats Jolly, becoming Florida’s first Black governor

By: Mitch Perry

Outlets: Florida Phoenix

Published: November 4, 2026

Words: 791

Last Updated: 5 days, 7 hours ago

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Byron Donalds made history Tuesday by defeating Democrat David Jolly to become the nation’s first Black Republican governor, as well as the first Black person ever elected statewide in Florida.

The race was extremely close, with Donalds winning 50% of the vote over Jolly’s 48.7%, with about 99% of votes counted, according to the Associated Press.

“This might be the shortest speech I’ve given on the campaign trail but it doesn’t …

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