The Japan Times - Byron Donalds wins Florida governor race and underscores Republican strength

Byron Donalds has made history after being elected as the US’ first ever Black Republican Governor. Donalds won the close race with 50.1% votes defeating Democrat David Jolly, as reported by the Associated Press. He has also become the first Black person to be elected as Florida’ Governor. Donalds gave his victory speech from the Seminole Hollywood Hard Rock Hotel in Davie, evoking President Donald Trump. “Mr. President, I want you to hear from Florida that we are still red,” Donalds said as reported by Fox News.

“Mr. President, I want you to hear from Florida that we are still red.”Byron Donalds delivers a message to President Trump as he celebrates a historic victory in Florida’s governor’s race, becoming the state’s first Black governor.Donalds reveals Trump was the second person to call him after his victory, thanking the president for his support and for standing in his corner throughout the race.He also praises outgoing Gov. Ron DeSantis’ leadership over the past eight years and vows to build on his legacy to keep Florida “the very best state in America.”Tune in to Fox News Channel now for live midterm election updates: — Fox News (@FoxNews) November 4, 2026

The projected Governor-elect also revealed that President Trump was the second person to call to congratulate him after the victory. He thanked the President for his support and “standing in his corner throughout the race,” Fox News reported. He also went on to praise former Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and promised to continue his legacy and keep Florida, “the very best state in America.” “This might be the shortest speech I’ve given on the campaign trail but it doesn’t need to be long. Tonight we celebrate, tomorrow we work and over the next four years we’re going to take Florida to a whole new level,” Donalds told the crowd gathered at the hotel.

Also read: US Midterm Election 2026 Results: List of Republican candidates who have won seats in the Senate Live Events Donalds has been serving in the US House of Representatives since 2021 from the state’s 19th Congressional District. He also served on the Florida House of Representatives from 2016 to 2020.

The 48-year-old Republican was earlier endorsed by President Donald Trump over a year before the Republican primary. Donalds moved to Florida from New York for college at Florida A&M University. He later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in finance and marketing from Florida State University. He currently lives in Florida’s Naples with his wife Erika and their children. Donalds was also involved with the conservative Tea Party movement in 2010 after working in banking, finance and insurance.

With the projected victory, Donalds will be sworn in and take office on January 5, 2027 when former Governor DeSantis’ term ends. His victory extends the Republican's almost three-decade long stint in the Florida governor’s mansion.

K.Okada--JT