Florida voters on Tuesday narrowed the field in the race to succeed term-limited Governor Ron DeSantis, with Republican U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds and former congressman David Jolly winning their respective party primaries. The results set the stage for a November general election that could test whether Democrats can flip a state that has trended strongly Republican in recent cycles.
Donalds cruises in GOP primary
Donalds, a third-term congressman from Naples, dominated the Republican field with a commanding lead that matched months of polling. Backed by a high-profile endorsement from President Donald Trump, Donalds told supporters that Republicans must unite behind his candidacy now that the primary is decided. He framed the November contest as a continuation of GOP leadership in Tallahassee. His main rivals, including Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins and investor James Fishback, conceded as results came in. Trump had praised Donalds on Truth Social months before the primary, calling him a potential “truly Great and Powerful Governor for Florida.” Donalds has raised more than $67 million for his campaign, giving him a significant financial advantage heading into the general election.
Jolly advances for Democrats
On the Democratic side, Jolly, a former Republican congressman who left the GOP over disagreements with Trump, secured his party’s nomination. Jolly represented the Tampa Bay area during his time in the U.S. House and has centered his campaign on housing affordability, health care, and education. He selected former gubernatorial candidate Gwen Graham as his running mate. Jerry Demings, the Orange County mayor who had been considered Jolly’s most serious Democratic challenger, suspended his campaign earlier this year after being diagnosed with prostate cancer. The primary drew roughly 24 percent statewide voter turnout, according to the Associated Press.
November matchup takes shape
Polls have consistently shown Donalds with a comfortable lead in a hypothetical general election matchup against Jolly, though some surveys indicate the race could tighten as voters learn more about both candidates. Florida’s massive Republican voter registration advantage remains a significant headwind for Democrats. Analysts at Cook Political Report and Sabato’s Crystal Ball currently classify the race as safe or solid Republican. The November contest will also feature down-ballot races for U.S. Senate, state cabinet positions, and numerous congressional seats. The Senate race pits Republican Senator Ashley Moody against potential Democratic challengers including Alex Vindman and Angie Nixon, who won her Democratic Senate primary upset on Tuesday night.
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