Donalds, Jolly Clinch Nominations for Florida Governor’s Race
In Florida, U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds secured the Republican nomination for governor, and former Rep. David Jolly won the Democratic nomination. They are set to face each other in the November election to succeed outgoing Governor Ron DeSantis.
Cleveland Akron, OH, August 18, 2026 —
Florida Republicans have selected U.S. Representative Byron Donalds to be their nominee for governor, setting up a contest against Democrat David Jolly, a former U.S. Representative, in the upcoming November election. The nominations were finalized as both candidates secured victories in their respective party primaries.
Donalds, currently serving in the U.S. House of Representatives, will now campaign to replace outgoing Governor Ron DeSantis, who is concluding his second term. The Republican party’s choice of Donalds signals a particular direction for the state’s executive leadership moving forward.
On the Democratic side, David Jolly emerged as the party’s choice for governor. Jolly, who previously served in the U.S. House, will challenge Donalds in the general election. His nomination represents the Democratic party’s bid to regain the governor’s office.
The election will determine who will lead Florida for the next four years, succeeding Governor DeSantis. Key issues and campaign platforms for both Donalds and Jolly are expected to be further detailed as the race progresses towards the November general election.
The outcome of this race will have significant implications for the future policy direction of the state of Florida across various sectors, including economy, education, and environmental management.
Story summarized from the original created by AP via Scripps News Group on www.news5cleveland.com, see more information here.
