ORLANDO, Fla. — Republican Byron Donalds won Florida’s gubernatorial election Tuesday, according to The Associated Press, defeating Democrat David Jolly and securing a historic victory as the state’s first Black governor-elect.
Donalds will succeed Gov. Ron DeSantis, who could not seek a third consecutive term.
Follow Channel 9’s complete Florida election results and coverage.
Florida governor election results
Donalds elected Florida’s first Black governor
Byron Donalds will become Florida’s first Black governor, marking a historic first for the state.
The Republican congressman from Southwest Florida will succeed term-limited Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Donalds secured the Republican nomination in August before facing Democrat David Jolly in the general election.
Race to succeed DeSantis
Jolly is a former Republican congressman who ran for governor as a Democrat.
The general-election field also included third-party, no-party-affiliation and write-in candidates.
Channel 9’s Shannon Butler covered Donalds’ campaign, while Sabrina Maggiore covered Jolly’s campaign.
Election results remain unofficial until certified.
This story will be updated with additional results and candidate reaction.
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