Florida voters have chosen their nominees for governor, setting up a November general election between Republican U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds and former U.S. Rep. David Jolly. Both candidates secured decisive victories in their respective primaries on Tuesday, August 18.
Donalds won the Republican primary with roughly 48.6% of the vote, finishing well ahead of Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, who received about 25.6%. Businessman James Fishback and former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner followed in the crowded Republican field.
Donalds, a third-term congressman representing Florida’s 19th Congressional District, entered the race with the backing of President Donald Trump, who endorsed him early in the campaign. The endorsement helped establish Donalds as the Republican frontrunner in a competitive primary.
On the Democratic side, Jolly won approximately 61% of the vote, defeating state Rep. Dotie Joseph, Dayna Marie Foster and other challengers. Jolly is a former Republican congressman who left the GOP, became an independent and joined the Democratic Party in 2025 before launching his campaign for governor.
Jolly campaigned as a moderate Democrat, focusing on issues including homeowners insurance, healthcare and public education. His political history as a former Republican and later Trump critic has been a central part of his campaign as he seeks to appeal to Florida voters beyond the Democratic base.
The two nominees will now face each other on November 3 in the race to succeed Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is term-limited and cannot seek another term. If elected, Donalds would make history as Florida’s first Black governor. Jolly is seeking to return the governor’s office to Democratic control after decades of Republican leadership.
The November contest is expected to draw national attention as Democrats attempt to compete in a state that has shifted significantly toward Republicans in recent elections. Donalds and Jolly will now turn their attention from their respective primary campaigns to a statewide general election that will determine Florida’s next governor.
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