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5d ago

Donalds Wins GOP Nod for Florida Governor, Will Face David Jolly in November

Trump’s early endorsement helped Donalds secure the Republican nomination and leaves a redrawn Florida map to play a central role in who controls Congress this fall.

Florida Republican congressman and gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds addresses members of the Hispanic Police Officers Association in Doral, Fla., after receiving the group's endorsement, Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
Rep. Cory Mills at a House Armed Services Committee hearing on April 29. Photo: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images
FILE - State Rep. Angie Nixon, D-Fla., speaks loudly on the House floor as the House votes on HB1D, a redistricting bill, during a special session of the Florida Legislature, April 29, 2026, in Tallahassee, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart, File)
Rep. Byron Donalds, a Republican from Florida and gubernatorial candidate, and his wife Erika Donalds wave during a "Get Out The Vote" rally ahead of Florida's primary election in Boca Raton, Florida, on August 16.

Overview

  • Rep. Byron Donalds captured the Republican nomination for governor on Tuesday and former Rep. David Jolly won the Democratic primary, setting a November matchup to replace term‑limited Gov. Ron DeSantis.
  • President Donald Trump’s February endorsement is widely credited with consolidating Republican voters behind Donalds and turning a crowded primary into a clear GOP win.
  • Progressive state lawmaker Angie Nixon defeated Alexander Vindman for the Democratic Senate nomination in the special race and longtime Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz prevailed in a heated primary in a newly drawn plurality‑Black South Florida district.
  • Donalds’ decision to run left an open House seat that drew a controversial and high‑profile Republican field, including pardoned former Rep. Chris Collins, ex‑Rep. Madison Cawthorn, Trump‑backed Catalina Lauf and Jan. 6 participant John Strand.
  • A DeSantis‑backed mid‑decade redistricting and a GOP registration advantage have shifted several districts toward Republicans, making Florida a pivotal state that could sway the balance of the House and affect close Senate fights this fall.