Byron Donalds will face David Jolly to replace Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis
Donalds (Rep-R Florida) is Trump's pick. Jolly (D-FL) is a Republican who switched parties. They won the Aug. 18 primaries; the vote is Nov. 3.
Byron Donalds (Rep-R Florida) and David Jolly (D-FL) won their parties' nominations on Tuesday, Aug. 18, and are projected to meet in the fall election, according to Decision Desk HQ. Donalds, a third-term House member endorsed by Trump, defeated a crowded Republican field. Jolly, a former Republican House member who now runs as a Democrat, also topped a crowded field. The winner will replace term-limited Governor Ron DeSantis, who leaves office in January.
What Trump's endorsement did to the Republican field:
- Trump backed Donalds in February 2025 — 18 months before the vote, and before DeSantis had a candidate of his own.
- DeSantis withheld an endorsement of Donalds for months, an open split with the president whose 2018 endorsement made DeSantis governor in the first place.
- Donalds has held the Naples-area 19th District since 2021 and had never appeared on a statewide ballot before Tuesday, Aug. 18.
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