Byron Donalds wins Florida governor race, James Uthmeier re-elected attorney general

Republican Byron Donalds has won the Florida governor's race, narrowly defeating Democrat David Jolly, according to WUSF. Donalds will become Florida's first Black governor when he takes office on January 5, continuing the Republican Party's 28-year control of the governor's mansion in the state.

Donalds campaigned on reducing property taxes, streamlining development permits, enforcing immigration, and increasing government spending transparency. He had the endorsement of former President Donald Trump and a significant fundraising advantage, as reported by WUSF and Tampa Bay Times.

In the attorney general race, Republican James Uthmeier secured his first election win after being appointed to the position by Governor Ron DeSantis. Uthmeier defeated Democrat José Javier Rodríguez by about 2 percentage points, according to WUSF.

Uthmeier had previously served as DeSantis's chief of staff and was involved in controversies such as the Hope Florida Medicaid settlement and Alligator Alcatraz. Rodríguez criticized Uthmeier's conservative policies and his role in these issues, but voters ultimately favored Uthmeier's approach, WUSF reported.

Democrat David Jolly conceded at the Tampa Convention Center, expressing hope for building a coalition to overcome political divisions in Florida, according to WUSF.

These election results will shape Florida's leadership and policies starting in 2027, with Donalds and Uthmeier set to assume their respective offices in January.