Byron Donalds clinches Republican nomination as David Jolly wins Democratic primary for Florida governor
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Republican Rep. Byron Donalds and former Republican-turned-Democrat David Jolly emerged as their parties' nominees in Florida's primary, setting up a general-election contest for the state's next governor.
Florida voters selected the party favorites in Tuesday's primaries, paving the way for a contest between Rep. Byron Donalds, the Trump-endorsed Republican, and former congressman David Jolly, who switched to the Democratic Party, for the 2024 gubernatorial race.
Donalds secured the GOP nomination after outpacing a crowded field, while Jolly faced limited opposition after Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings withdrew for health reasons and other candidates failed to gain traction.
The Republican primary featured intense intra-party attacks, with candidates such as James Fishback, Lt. Gov. Jay Collins and former House Speaker Paul Renner criticizing each other and the front-runner. Fishback, who has been linked to controversial figures, denied wrongdoing amid allegations related to his past business and youth-debate program.
Democrats view Jolly’s candidacy as a test of whether the state’s recent shift toward Republican dominance can be challenged.
"I think Renner would be a really good governor," Governor Ron DeSantis said in the final weeks of the primary, though he stopped short of a formal endorsement.