Republican Congressman Byron Donalds makes American political history, becoming the first Black Republican elected governor of a U.S. state and the first Black governor in Florida’s history.

Republican Congressman Byron Donalds wins Florida’s 2026 gubernatorial election, defeating Democratic candidate David Jolly to become the 47th Governor.

Donalds has emerged as the winner in the contest to replace outgoing Republican Governor Ron DeSantis.

Since becoming a U.S. state in 1845, Florida has never had an African American serve as governor, whether Republican or Democrat. 

A Historic First in American Politics

While Black Americans have previously served as state governors, no Black Republican has ever been elected governor of a U.S. state by popular vote.

The historical distinction dates back to the Reconstruction era.

In 1872, P. B. S. Pinchback, a Black Republican, briefly served as acting governor of Louisiana after Governor Henry Clay Warmoth was suspended from office during impeachment proceedings.

Pinchback became the first Black person to serve as governor of a U.S. state. However, he was not elected to the governorship by popular vote.

Donalds therefore makes history in a different way, becoming the first Black Republican to win a gubernatorial election through a statewide popular vote.

His election would also make him Florida’s first Black governor.

Donalds, who has represented Florida’s 19th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2021, has won three congressional elections.

Before entering the gubernatorial contest, he established himself as a prominent conservative Republican and an ally of President Donald Trump.

His Democratic opponent, David Jolly, is a former Republican congressman who represented Florida’s 13th Congressional District during the 2010s before later joining the Democratic Party.

Donalds received the backing of President Donald Trump during his campaign for governor.

He also secured support from outgoing Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who endorsed his fellow Republican following the party’s primary election.

Donalds won the Republican gubernatorial primary in August, defeating Florida Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins by more than 20 percentage points.

The endorsements helped consolidate Republican support behind Donalds as he campaigned to retain the governor’s office for his party.

The new governor is expected to take office in January 2027, with Republican state legislator Bryan Avila serving as lieutenant governor if the ticket’s victory is confirmed.

Donalds would assume leadership of one of America’s most populous and politically influential states.

His administration would face major issues affecting Floridians, including rising housing costs, property insurance, education, economic development and public safety.

Meanwhile Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms is elected Governor of Georgia, making her the first black woman to serve as governor of a U.S. state.

Since Georgia became a U.S. state in 1788, every person who has served as governor has been white.