STUART, Florida – Republican U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds fended off a strong challenge from Democrat challenger David Jolly Tuesday to become Florida’s 47th governor, replacing the very popular Ron DeSantis, according to Decision Desk HQ.
Decision Desk HQ projects Byron Donalds wins the FL Governor General Election#DecisionMade: 8:28 PM EST
— Decision Desk HQ (@DecisionDeskHQ) November 4, 2026
Follow live results here: https://t.co/kBjHEsIg6m pic.twitter.com/BCbRqkHmFr
Donalds was locked in a razor close battle with Jolly, a former Republican congressman who became an independent before settling with the Democratic Party.
Decision Desk HQ just called Florida for BYRON DONALDS pic.twitter.com/GELHNpqIIQ
— Kiki Danger (@itskikidanger) November 4, 2026
🚨 BREAKING: Trump-endorsed Byron Donalds (R) elected the 47th Governor of the Free State of Florida — DDHQ
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) November 4, 2026
LET'S GO BYRON!!
WE FREAKING DID IT ☀️
The wins will CONTINUE, David Jolly can NOT rip apart everything that makes our state great.
THANK GOD!!!! pic.twitter.com/CObCSL3WnX
With close to 97% of ballots counted, Donalds held a lead of 50% to 48.8% over Jolly, translating to 4,033,046 votes compared to 3,938,015.
WATCH BYRON DONALDS’ VICTORY SPEECH:
Meanwhile, incumbent U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody defeated Democratic Socialist Angie Nixon by a closer than expected margin of 50.8% to 48%.
Decision Desk HQ projects Ashley Moody wins the FL US Senate Special Election General#DecisionMade: 8:00 PM EST
— Decision Desk HQ (@DecisionDeskHQ) November 4, 2026
Follow live results here: https://t.co/7jQaQp0Drh pic.twitter.com/rGnyGx1Duu
“Don’t fool with Florida,” Moody exclaimed at her victory party. “Keep Florida free!”
“Florida did not vote for socialism,” said Danamarie McNicholl of Fox News.
Fox News anchor Jesse Watters was stunned by Moody’s slim margin of victory against Nixon, saying: “That is too close for comfort in the state of Florida.”
WATCH ASHLEY MOODY’S VICTORY SPEECH:
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