Election 2026
Byron Donalds Wins Florida Governor's Race, Defeating David Jolly in a Close Contest
Florida will have a new governor in January 2027.
Florida has a new governor-elect. Republican U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds won Tuesday's race for governor, defeating Democrat David Jolly in a contest that was closer than many expected, the Associated Press projected. Here are the results and what the outcome could mean for Miami Gardens.
Winner: Byron Donalds (R), as projected by the Associated Press. Statewide vote: Donalds about 50.0%, Jolly about 48.7%, a margin of roughly 1.3 points. Running mate: Bryan Ávila, who would become lieutenant governor. Takes office: January 2027. Results are unofficial until certified by the state.
A close race for an open seat
The governorship was open because Gov. Ron DeSantis was barred by the state constitution from seeking a third consecutive term. Donalds, a two-term congressman from Naples who was endorsed early by President Donald Trump, faced David Jolly, a former Republican congressman who switched to the Democratic Party and ran as a centrist.
With nearly all votes counted, Donalds led with about 50.0% of the vote to Jolly's 48.7%. The AP projected Donalds the winner on election night. The narrow margin stood out in a state where registered Republicans outnumber Democrats by about 1.5 million voters.
A historic first
Donalds will become Florida's first Black governor and the first Black Republican elected governor in the country. His running mate, Bryan Ávila, is the son of Cuban exiles, was born in Hialeah, and serves as a captain in the Florida National Guard.
How South Florida voted
While Donalds won statewide, early county returns showed Jolly carrying the region's three largest counties, including Miami-Dade, along with Broward and Palm Beach. Final county-level results will be available once the canvassing boards complete their counts.
What it could mean for Miami Gardens
Amendment 3 and local budgets
Voters also approved Amendment 3, which raises the homestead exemption for non-school property taxes starting in 2027. The new governor and the Legislature will shape how the state implements it, including any changes for local governments. The City of Miami Gardens had estimated it could lose about $9.7 million in the first year. Read our Amendment 3 explainer.
State funding and partnerships
Many city priorities, from road projects to public safety grants, depend in part on state budgets and the governor's signature or veto. Miami Gardens leaders will be working with a new administration beginning in 2027.
Local leaders in Washington and Tallahassee
Miami Gardens will also send former mayor Oliver Gilbert to Congress, and the region's state legislators will be working with the new administration. Read our full Miami Gardens election results.
What happens next
County canvassing boards will finalize results, and the state will certify the outcome. Donalds is expected to take office in January 2027. We will follow how the new administration's decisions affect Miami Gardens residents, businesses, and city services.
Frequently asked questions
Who won the 2026 Florida governor’s race?
Republican Byron Donalds won the 2026 Florida governor’s race, defeating Democrat David Jolly, as projected by the Associated Press. Results are unofficial until certified.
What was the margin in the Florida governor’s race?
With nearly all votes counted, Donalds had about 50.0% of the vote and Jolly about 48.7%, a margin of roughly 1.3 points.
Who is Florida’s next lieutenant governor?
Bryan Ávila, Byron Donalds’ running mate, is set to become lieutenant governor.
When does the new Florida governor take office?
Florida’s next governor takes office in January 2027.
MiamiGardens.com does not endorse candidates or ballot measures. Results are unofficial and based on the Associated Press projection and reporting by NPR, The Washington Post, NBC News, and other outlets as of November 4, 2026. Final results will be certified by the state. Published: November 4, 2026.
