Byron Donalds, David Jolly to face off in Florida governor's race
Rep. Byron Donalds won the Republican primary for governor and former Rep. David Jolly won the Democratic primary, The Associated Press projects.
In Florida's upcoming gubernatorial race, Rep. Byron Donalds has secured the Republican primary victory, while former Rep. David Jolly has emerged as the Democratic nominee, according to The Associated Press projections. This sets up a pivotal general election contest to control the nation's third-largest state. Donalds, who won the primary against multiple challengers, notably James Fishback, faced criticism for supporting far-right provocateur Nick Fuentes and using offensive language.
The former House member, first elected in 2020, has allied himself with President Trump and been a key member of the House Freedom Caucus. He even challenged Speaker Kevin McCarthy in 2023, leading to 15 rounds of voting. Jolly, who beat out several candidates for the Democratic nomination, marks a significant shift as the second Republican-turned-Democrat running for governor in Florida in two cycles.
With Florida's political landscape tilting rightward in recent years, Donalds is seen as the frontrunner for the November election, with Cook Political Report rating the race as Solid R.
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