Who is Byron Donalds?
Byron Donalds, 48, is Florida's governor-elect, the first Black person and the first Black Republican ever elected governor in state history, defeating Democrat David Jolly in one of the most competitive Florida governor's races in nearly a decade.
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Quick facts
- Born: October 28, 1978 (age 48), Crown Heights, Brooklyn, New York
- Known for: Florida's first Black governor-elect; first Black Republican elected governor in US history; former US Representative for Florida's 19th Congressional District
- Heritage: Jamaican and Panamanian
- Education: Attended Florida A&M University, then earned a bachelor's degree in finance and marketing from Florida State University in 2002
- Party: Republican
- Family: Married to Erika Donalds, an education entrepreneur and conservative policy advocate; three sons, Damon, Darin, and Mason
- Home: Naples, Florida
- Running mate: Bryan Avila, former Florida state senator
His story
Byron Donalds was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, the product of a single-parent household. Throughout his life, his mother made every sacrifice possible to give him the best opportunity to live the American Dream. He moved to Florida in 1996 to attend Florida A&M University. He later graduated from Florida State University in 2002 with a bachelor's degree in finance and marketing. After completing his education, Donalds built a career in the financial sector, working in banking, finance and insurance before entering politics.
In office
He was first elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2016, where he served for four years. In 2020, he was elected to serve Florida's 19th Congressional District in the US Congress. While serving in the Florida House, Donalds made his mark as a champion for school choice and parental rights in education, leading the effort to enact Hope Scholarships and passing a first-in-the-nation bill allowing parents and community members to review instructional materials in schools. He took office in Congress in January 2021 and subsequently became a prominent conservative voice in Washington, with his national profile growing through his support for President Donald Trump and frequent television appearances defending Republican positions.
What he won and how
Donalds won the 2026 Florida governor's race with 50.0% of the vote, defeating David Jolly by 1.3 points. The margin was tighter than most polls predicted. Donalds raised almost $150 million in his bid for the governorship, compared to Jolly's $22 million.
Throughout the campaign, Donalds emphasized affordability, property taxes, homeowners insurance and education. He also sought to broaden Republican support among Black voters, making campaign stops across South Florida and setting a goal of winning more than 20% of the state's Black vote.
In his victory speech, Donalds told the crowd:
"I want you to hear from Florida that we are still red. Mr. President, I also want to tell you thank you for your support and thank you for being in my corner."
What he has done and what he plans to do
For education, Donalds supports expanding school choice with the private school voucher program and greater parental supervision over learning materials. He wants to maintain Florida's state income tax at zero. For law and order, Donalds supports a crackdown on illegal immigration. Additionally, Donalds said he wants to target fentanyl by creating harsher punishments for the drug cartels that bring it into Florida.
Donalds will succeed outgoing Governor Ron DeSantis as Florida's governor in January 2027.
Follow-ups
What policies is Byron Donalds expected to push as governor of Florida?Byron Donalds, Florida's governor-elect and the first Black Republican person ever elected to lead the state, is expected to push a conservative agenda built around three declared pillars: affordability, education and law and order.
Byron Donalds, Florida's governor-elect and the first Black Republican person ever elected to lead the state, is expected to push a conservative agenda built around three declared pillars: affordability, education and law and order.
Affordability: insurance, taxes and housing
Donalds says he wants to tackle Florida's high property insurance rates by focusing on tort reform and "supercharging" home hardening programs for properties built before 1992. He plans to reduce insurance costs by cracking down on lawsuit abuse and protecting reforms that prevent false claims, which he says drive up premiums for everyone.
On taxes, he said he would revisit property tax cuts, and that if Amendment 3 did not pass, he would bring the issue back through Florida's Tax and Budget Reform Commission, with the goal of eliminating homestead property taxes in the state. He has also promised no tax on tips, no tax on overtime and no tax on Social Security.
On housing, Donalds focuses on making homes cheaper to build by speeding up permitting, reducing development timelines and streamlining government approvals.
Education: school choice and literacy
Donalds has touted universal vouchers and expressed an interest in making Florida "the model state for school choice" by allowing parents to choose among private educational providers competing in the marketplace. He also advocates for greater parental supervision over learning materials.
He has set a goal of math, reading and writing mastery for every Florida graduate. He opposes diversity, equity and inclusion programs in public universities while emphasizing merit-based admissions alongside expanded workforce training and apprenticeship alternatives.
Law and order: immigration and fentanyl
On law and order, Donalds supports a crackdown on illegal immigration, including cutting off state funds, subsidies and free perks that he says encourage illegal immigration into Florida. He also says he wants to target fentanyl by creating harsher punishments for the drug cartels that bring it into the state.
Economy, tech and infrastructure
Donalds wants to make Florida a major technology and financial hub by investing in and supporting commercial space growth and what he calls smart growth of artificial intelligence infrastructure. On energy, he favors an "all-of-the-above" strategy including natural gas and small modular nuclear reactors to ensure reliable power generation.
On fiscal responsibility, Donalds says his administration will continue a government efficiency initiative, declaring "We are going to DOGE every agency" and that "there will be no sacred cows." He also promises every state contract, budget and fee will be posted publicly.
Environment
Donalds has vowed to finish Everglades restoration and apply the model to other ailing ecosystems in the state, and plans to establish a Florida Coastal Corridor, modeled after the Florida Wildlife Corridor, to protect the state's coastlines and strengthen them against damaging storms.
Healthcare
Donalds opposes Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act and has called for reforms to Florida's Agency for Persons with Disabilities. His campaign platform includes a proposal called "Your Doctor Your Price," which would require every licensed Florida provider to post cash prices for the top 50 common services.
The book
After last night's midterms, at least 4 Black governors will serve simultaneously in the US for the first time in the country's history, with 3 newly elected and 1 reelected.
Read that one firstHistory is being made right now, and you can build something inside of it.
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