Byron Donalds has won Florida’s governor’s race, defeating Democratic nominee David Jolly to become the state’s first Black governor, according to The Associated Press.

The Republican congressman will succeed term-limited Gov. Ron DeSantis, extending Republican control of the governor’s office.

Donalds, who represents Southwest Florida in Congress, entered the race with President Donald Trump’s endorsement. His campaign emphasized affordability, public safety and continuing the state’s conservative direction.

Jolly, a former Republican congressman who ran as a Democrat, focused on rising living costs, including housing and homeowners insurance. Those concerns helped shape a closely contested election in a state where Republicans held substantial fundraising and voter-registration advantages.

Donalds’ victory marks a historic milestone for Black representation in Florida’s highest elected office. As he prepares to take office, his administration will face the affordability concerns that remained central throughout the campaign.