Byron Donalds wins Florida governor race, becoming first Black governor
Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 4 Nov, 15:42 · Archive
Republican congressman Byron Donalds has won the Florida governor race, succeeding Ron DeSantis and becoming the state's first Black governor.
Republican congressman Byron Donalds has won Florida's gubernatorial election to become the state's first Black governor, succeeding Ron DeSantis. Donalds defeated Democrat David Jolly, who is a former Republican congressman that later became an independent before joining the Democratic Party.
Donalds was the frontrunner in polling before the election. A University of North Florida Public Opinion Research Lab poll conducted in mid-October found Donalds leading 49 per cent to 47 per cent, within the margin of error. President Donald Trump endorsed Donalds over a year before the election, effectively shutting out other Republican challengers. Although Democrats had strong early voting turnout, election day voters propelled Donalds to victory.
The candidates offered contrasting visions on key issues. Jolly pledged to issue a moratorium on hyperscale data centers on his first day in office, arguing the industry was moving too quickly and that public health and environmental concerns had not been adequately addressed. He also cited voter opposition and concerns about campaign contributions' influence. Donalds said decisions about data centre locations should be made by local governments, not the governor.
Donalds's running mate, former State Senator Bryan Avila, will serve as lieutenant governor. Donalds has promised to continue DeSantis's legacy. Voters also elected Republican Ashley Moody to the U.S. Senate in a narrow victory.
How it is being reported
- LIVE: DeSantis to hold press conference in Tallahassee after midterm electionsGov. Ron DeSantis is holding a news conference in Tallahassee after Florida voters chose Republican Byron Donalds as the state’s next governor and Republican Ashley Moody narrowly won the Florida U.S. Senate race.News4Jax · 4 Nov, 14:58
- AP projects Byron Donalds’ history-making victory as the next Florida governorFlorida voters have decided on a new governor.WCTV · 4 Nov, 02:14
- Byron Donalds, David Jolly offer sharply different visions in Florida governor’s raceRepublican Byron Donalds and Democrat David Jolly are making their final pitches to Florida voters in a closely watched race to succeed term-limited Gov. Ron DeSantis, with sharp differences over data centers, artificial intelligence and property taxes.News4Jax · 3 Nov, 18:35
In this story: Byron Donalds · David Jolly · Ron DeSantis · Bryan Avila · Donald Trump · Ashley Moody · Florida
This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log
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