The Republican defeats Democrat David Jolly by just over 108,000 votes, becoming Florida’s first Black governor. A historically significant election sets the stage for a new administration facing major challenges involving property insurance, housing affordability, taxes and economic growth.
THE SUN POST DECIDES 2026 | FLORIDA GENERAL ELECTION
By Marcos A. Tejeda
Publisher & Editor-in-Chief
The Sun Post News
TALLAHASSEE, Fla., November 4, 2026. — Florida voters elected a new governor Tuesday in one of the state’s most competitive gubernatorial elections in recent years, choosing Republican Congressman Byron Donalds over former Republican congressman turned Democrat David Jolly.
Donalds’ victory keeps the governor’s office under Republican control while marking a historic milestone: he will become Florida’s first Black governor and the first Black Republican elected governor in the United States.
Beyond its historical significance, the November 3 election revealed a closely divided electorate and a dramatically narrower Republican victory than the one recorded four years earlier.
According to unofficial results published by the Florida Division of Elections, Donalds received 4,131,777 votes, or 50.02%, while Jolly secured 4,023,425 votes, or 48.71%.
The difference was 108,352 votes, representing approximately 1.31 percentage points.
A total of 8,259,936 votes were counted in the gubernatorial election, including ballots cast for minor-party and independent candidates.
The results remain subject to official certification.
A Much Closer Election Than in 2022
The 2026 gubernatorial election produced a substantially different outcome from the previous race.
In 2022, Republican Governor Ron DeSantis won reelection over Democrat Charlie Crist by approximately 19 percentage points.
Four years later, Donalds maintained Republican control of the governor’s office, but by a considerably smaller margin.
The contrast is significant, although the two elections involved different candidates, campaign strategies and political circumstances.
Donalds received slightly more than half the vote, while Jolly earned the support of nearly half the electorate.
Minor-party and independent candidates accounted for approximately 1.27% of the remaining votes.
The results indicate that the contest for governor was considerably more competitive than the 2022 election, despite Republicans maintaining an advantage in Florida’s voter registration figures.
Will There Be a Recount?
Although the election was close, the reported margin did not meet Florida’s legal threshold for an automatic recount.
Under state law, a machine recount is generally required when the margin between the leading candidates is 0.5 percentage points or less of the votes cast in the contest.
The approximately 1.31-point difference between Donalds and Jolly exceeded that threshold.
Consequently, the preliminary results did not indicate that an automatic recount was required.
Nevertheless, election officials must complete the legally established canvassing and certification procedures before the results become final.
Who Is Byron Donalds?
Byron Donalds entered the gubernatorial race after serving in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Southwest Florida.
Before his election to Congress, he served in the Florida House of Representatives.
Throughout his political career, Donalds has advocated conservative fiscal policies, reduced government regulation, economic growth and a limited government role in certain areas of the economy.
His gubernatorial campaign received the endorsement of President Donald Trump and other prominent Republicans.
Donalds presented his candidacy as an opportunity to continue several conservative policies associated with Governor Ron DeSantis while introducing his own proposals to address affordability and economic concerns.
His election also carries considerable historical importance.
Florida, one of the nation’s most populous and diverse states, had never elected a Black governor.
Donalds will assume responsibility for leading a state with substantial Hispanic, Black, White and immigrant communities, along with residents from many different regions of the United States.
His administration will face decisions affecting millions of people across urban, suburban, rural and coastal communities.
David Jolly: A Political Journey Across Party Lines
David Jolly entered the election with an unusual political background.
He previously represented a Florida congressional district as a Republican before distancing himself from the party and eventually joining the Democratic Party.
During the 2026 campaign, Jolly sought support from Democrats, independent voters and Republicans dissatisfied with certain state policies.
His campaign emphasized affordability, property insurance, housing costs and changes to government priorities.
Jolly also differed from Donalds on issues involving property tax policy and the expansion of artificial intelligence data centers.
Although he did not win the governorship, Jolly received more than four million votes and narrowed the Democratic deficit compared with the 2022 gubernatorial election.
His performance raises questions about the political dynamics of future statewide contests, although one election alone cannot establish a permanent shift in voter preferences.
Florida’s Electoral Map Reveals Regional Differences
The gubernatorial election demonstrated substantial political differences among Florida’s counties.
In Broward County, one of South Florida’s largest population centers, Jolly received 432,002 votes, compared with 220,328 for Donalds.
In Brevard County, located along Florida’s Space Coast, Donalds received 145,992 votes, while Jolly secured 115,313.
In Alachua County, home to Gainesville and the University of Florida, Jolly received 69,456 votes, compared with 34,491 for Donalds.
In Bay County, in the Florida Panhandle, Donalds received 48,387 votes, while Jolly obtained 20,687.
These differences illustrate how voting patterns varied among urban communities, university-centered counties, suburban regions and areas with strong Republican support.
The geographic distribution of votes was particularly important in an election decided by approximately 108,000 ballots statewide.
County-level differences accumulated to determine the final statewide margin.
Central Florida: A Region With Major Challenges
For residents of Orlando, Kissimmee, Osceola, Orange, Seminole, Polk and neighboring communities, the election outcome will influence decisions affecting everyday life.
Among the region’s most pressing concerns are population growth, affordable housing, transportation, infrastructure, education and insurance costs.
Central Florida has experienced substantial residential and commercial expansion in recent years.
In Orange and Osceola counties, population growth has increased demand for roads, schools, public transportation and essential services.
Although many decisions are made by county and municipal governments, the governor and Florida Legislature play important roles in transportation funding, insurance regulation, education policy and statewide development initiatives.
The incoming administration will also influence budget priorities and the relationship between Tallahassee and local governments.
For Central Florida communities, these decisions will have practical consequences for families, businesses and local public services.
Property Insurance: A Major Test for the New Administration
One of the most frequently discussed issues during the gubernatorial campaign was the cost of property insurance.
Florida faces significant insurance challenges because of its exposure to hurricanes and other severe weather events.
Homeowners have experienced financial pressure from insurance premiums, deductibles, repair expenses and property maintenance costs.
Donalds pledged to work toward reducing insurance costs for homeowners and businesses.
In remarks following his election victory, he acknowledged the economic difficulties confronting many Florida families.
However, insurance premiums depend on several factors, including property risks, claims expenses, reinsurance costs, market competition and regulatory decisions.
Reducing costs will require specific policy measures and implementation.
The proposals introduced by the new administration will provide a clearer indication of how Donalds intends to address the issue.
For homeowners in Central and South Florida, property insurance is likely to remain one of the most closely watched areas of state policy.
Housing Affordability and the Cost of Living
Housing costs were another major issue during the campaign.
Florida’s population growth has increased demand for homes, rental properties and public services.
Although market conditions differ across regions, many residents continue to face difficulties finding housing that fits their incomes.
Rising expenses can also affect workers, retirees, small-business owners and families attempting to purchase their first homes.
The incoming administration will have opportunities to influence state housing programs, development incentives, land-use legislation and coordination with local governments.
Its approach will be important for communities experiencing rapid growth, including Orlando, Kissimmee, Tampa, Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
Beyond housing, residents will be watching how the new governor addresses other household expenses and the broader affordability challenges affecting Florida.
Property Taxes and Amendment 3
Property tax policy is expected to become another important issue for the incoming administration.
During the campaign, Donalds supported Amendment 3, a constitutional measure involving expanded homestead property tax exemptions.
Jolly opposed the proposal.
Florida voters approved the amendment in the general election.
The measure provides for increases in certain exemptions affecting non-school property taxes, subject to applicable requirements.
For eligible homeowners, the changes may reduce property tax obligations.
However, the amendment also raises questions about local government finances.
Counties and municipalities depend on property tax revenue to fund public safety, infrastructure and other services.
Changes to taxable property values may require local governments to reassess spending priorities and budget projections.
The actual financial impact will vary depending on individual property circumstances, applicable exemptions and future government decisions.
Artificial Intelligence and Economic Development
The expansion of artificial intelligence data centers also emerged as an issue distinguishing the candidates.
Donalds expressed support for data center development, subject to appropriate regulations.
Jolly proposed a one-year pause on approvals for new data centers.
The debate involves economic, technological and environmental considerations.
Large data centers can attract investment and business activity, but they also create demand for electricity, water and infrastructure.
As artificial intelligence services expand, Florida will face decisions about how to accommodate new technology while addressing utility capacity and community concerns.
The next administration’s policies could influence investment decisions and regulatory requirements for major technology projects.
President Trump’s Role in the Election
The gubernatorial campaign also reflected the political relationship between Byron Donalds and President Donald Trump.
Donalds received Trump’s endorsement and appeared with him during campaign activities.
In his victory remarks, Donalds publicly thanked the president for his support.
The election occurred amid broader national competition between Republicans and Democrats for control of federal and state offices.
However, Florida’s outcome cannot be attributed to a single national political figure.
Economic concerns, campaign messages, regional differences and voter turnout all contributed to the electoral environment.
The relationship between the incoming governor and the federal government will be relevant to issues involving infrastructure, immigration, federal funding and disaster response.
Florida Prepares for a Historic Transition
Donalds will succeed Governor Ron DeSantis, who was constitutionally barred from seeking another consecutive term.
The inauguration is scheduled for January 5, 2027.
The transition will conclude eight years of the DeSantis administration.
During that period, Florida adopted significant policies involving education, taxation, immigration, public health and state regulation.
Donalds will have the opportunity to maintain certain policies, propose changes and establish priorities of his own.
The scope of those decisions will depend on his administration’s legislative agenda, available financial resources and the actions of the Florida Legislature.
Bryan Avila to Serve as Lieutenant Governor
The Republican ticket also included State Senator Bryan Avila as Donalds’ running mate.
Avila will become Florida’s next lieutenant governor.
His experience in the state Legislature may be relevant to the administration’s relationship with lawmakers in Tallahassee.
The lieutenant governor can carry out administrative and coordinating responsibilities assigned by the governor.
Avila’s role in the new administration will become clearer as Donalds announces appointments and organizational priorities.
What the Election Means for Hispanic Communities
Florida is home to a large and diverse Hispanic population, particularly in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Orange, Osceola and other counties.
The new governor’s policies will affect issues important to these communities, including housing, education, business development, transportation and public services.
Immigration policy will also remain relevant because of the relationship between state legislation, local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.
However, statewide election results do not establish how individual Hispanic communities voted.
Determining the voting preferences of Cuban Americans, Puerto Ricans, Venezuelan Americans, Dominican Americans, Colombian Americans and other groups requires reliable demographic studies and post-election surveys.
South Florida’s Hispanic electorate is especially diverse, with political views shaped by different personal, economic and historical experiences.
Careful analysis requires recognizing those differences rather than treating Hispanic voters as a single political bloc.
The First 100 Days: What to Watch
The incoming administration will begin with a period of organization, appointments and policy development.
Several areas deserve close attention during Donalds’ first months in office:
- Property insurance: Specific proposals aimed at reducing premiums and addressing market conditions.
- State budget: Spending priorities and their consequences for counties, municipalities and public services.
- Housing and taxes: Measures affecting affordability, property tax obligations and residential development.
- Government appointments: Leadership selections for state agencies and regulatory bodies.
- Education and infrastructure: Legislative initiatives involving schools, transportation and public investment.
- Immigration and economic development: State policies affecting enforcement, employers, businesses and residents.
Campaign commitments will need to be evaluated against official proposals, available funding and measurable implementation results.
For Florida residents, the consequences of these decisions will become clearer as the new administration begins governing.
A New Political Chapter for Florida
The November 3 election confirmed the continuation of Republican control of Florida’s governorship while revealing a much narrower contest than the state experienced four years earlier.
Byron Donalds secured a historic victory and will become the first Black governor of one of the nation’s largest and most influential states.
David Jolly, meanwhile, received more than four million votes in an election that highlighted significant political differences among Florida’s regions.
The incoming administration will face challenges extending beyond party affiliations.
Property insurance, housing affordability, taxation, infrastructure, education and the cost of living remain important concerns for families and businesses throughout the state.
For Central Florida, the decisions made in Tallahassee will be especially relevant to rapidly growing communities that continue to experience increasing demand for housing, roads, schools and essential services.
For South Florida, the administration’s policies will influence communities with diverse economic conditions, demographic characteristics and political preferences.
The election has determined Florida’s next governor. The next chapter will be defined by how campaign promises become government policies and how those decisions affect the lives of the state’s residents.
THE SUN POST DECIDES 2026
Independent Journalism. Informed Communities. Stronger Civic Participation.
Editor’s Note: Vote totals and percentages reflect unofficial election results available on November 4, 2026. Final results remain subject to certification by the appropriate election authorities.
