Trump-backed Byron Donalds to face Democrat David Jolly in race to succeed Florida governor DeSantis

Congressman Byron Donalds, endorsed by Donald Trump, secured the Republican nomination for Florida governor on Tuesday, aiming to succeed Ron DeSantis. Donalds defeated three other Republican rivals, including DeSantis's chosen lieutenant governor. He will face Democrat David Jolly, who won his party's nomination, in the November election. Donalds has pledged to implement Trump's agenda and has focused his campaign on affordability and reducing taxes, while criticizing Jolly as a "radical liberal." Jolly, a former Republican who switched parties, ran a more moderate campaign and criticized Donalds for focusing on cultural issues. Donalds is expected to win in the conservative state, potentially becoming the first Black governor in a southern US state.

In Florida's Democratic primaries, moderate candidates Alex Vindman and David Jolly are favored to win nominations for Senate and governor, respectively. Analysts suggest that progressive liberalism, successful in other states, is unlikely to resonate with Florida's conservative electorate. Vindman, a retired army lieutenant colonel and impeachment witness, is campaigning on establishment values and a "Florida First" approach, even noting his ownership of handguns. Jolly, a former Republican congressman, has also adopted moderate stances, including on transgender athletes, contrasting with progressive positions elsewhere. Both candidates are looking to appeal beyond declared Democrats to independents and disaffected Republicans in a state with closed primaries. Political science professors note Florida's long-standing moderate to conservative political culture, with a smaller liberal population compared to other states.

Florida voters are heading to the polls on Tuesday for primary elections to select party nominees for November's general elections, utilizing newly redrawn congressional districts designed to favor Republican candidates. Key races include the Republican gubernatorial primary, where Congressman Byron Donalds is leading, and a Democratic primary for governor expected to be won by former Congressman David Jolly. A notable congressional race features Representative Randy Fine facing challengers, including Daniel Bilzerian, amidst discussions of Islamophobia and antisemitism. Additionally, primaries will determine candidates for a special election to fill the remaining two years of Marco Rubio's US Senate term. These elections occur as Florida continues its shift towards the Republican Party.

Primaries in Florida, Wyoming, California, and Alaska on Tuesday will shape the upcoming midterm elections, focusing on Republican-led redistricting and internal party battles. In Florida, Republican Byron Donalds is running for governor, potentially becoming the state's first Black governor, while redistricting has created contentious House races, including one pitting Debbie Wasserman Schultz against Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick. Alaska's Senate race features incumbent Republican Dan Sullivan against a namesake candidate, Daniel J. Sullivan Jr., whom Republicans allege is a Democratic ploy. Wyoming has open seats for governor, Senate, and House due to retirements. California's 14th District special election for an open House seat is seeing significant outside spending from pro-Israel groups.

Florida voters will select nominees on Tuesday for governor and to fill the remainder of Marco Rubio's U.S. Senate term. The state's primary also includes its first congressional races under a new Republican-drawn district map. For governor, eleven Republicans are vying for the nomination, with U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds endorsed by Donald Trump and Lt. Gov. Jay Collins supported by DeSantis allies. Six Democrats are competing, including former Republican U.S. Rep. David Jolly, who has a fundraising lead. In the Senate race, Ashley Moody faces minimal opposition for the Republican nomination, while Democrats Angie Nixon and Alex Vindman are competing for their party's nod. The primary outcomes will shape the direction of both parties in Florida and influence the general election under newly drawn congressional districts.