Governor-elect of Florida, projected by Decision Desk HQ after the November 3, 2026 election. Currently serves in the U.S. House; not yet the sitting governor.
In their own words
- Enact the Trump Agenda. source
- Fight illegal immigration: secure the border, keep communities safe, and halt taxpayer support for illegal immigration. source
- Make Florida more affordable, addressing the property insurance crisis and housing costs. source
- Expand economic opportunity by reducing taxes and regulation and strengthening schools. source
Priorities as the candidate states them, each linked to where they said it.
Election update, November 4, 2026: Decision Desk HQ projects Byron Donalds and running mate Bryan Avila as the winning ticket in the November 3, 2026 election. Donalds is governor-elect; Ron DeSantis remains the sitting governor as of this update. Results are unofficial and subject to certification. Source: Decision Desk HQ
Byron Donalds has represented Florida's 19th congressional district in the U.S. House since 2021, and served in the Florida House before that. A proven conservative leader on economic policy, regulatory reform, and educational freedom, he ran for Governor in 2026.
Donalds won the Republican nomination in the August 18 primary and faced Democrat David Jolly in the November 3, 2026 general election. His campaign focuses on keeping Florida taxes low, protecting parental rights in education, strengthening law enforcement, and defending the state's economy against federal overreach. His running mate was Bryan Avila, the Republican nominee for Lieutenant Governor.
About this office: The Governor is Florida's chief executive: signing or vetoing every bill the Legislature passes, setting the state budget proposal, appointing judges and agency heads, and directing the state's emergency response.