# Byron Donalds vs David Jolly Set for Florida Governor Race
*Election results confirm Republican matchup as other primaries see upsets and losses across multiple states.*

- Medio: Orlando Ledger News (https://orlandoledgernews.com)
- URL: https://orlandoledgernews.com/noticia/byron-donalds-vs-david-jolly-set-for-florida-governor-race
- Sección: Politica
- Autor: Orlando Ledger News Staff
- Publicado: 2026-08-20T07:09:28.948Z
> Election results confirm Byron Donalds will face David Jolly for Florida governor. Other primaries saw significant upsets and losses involving Trump-backed candidates.

## Las claves

- Byron Donalds to face David Jolly in November
- Primaries held August 18, 2026 across multiple states
- Trump-backed candidates lost key races

Florida voters will decide who succeeds term-limited Governor Ron DeSantis in November, with the general election matchup now fully established. NBC News projects that Representative Byron Donalds, who holds an endorsement from President Donald Trump, will face David Jolly on the ballot. Jolly is a former Republican congressman and a prominent critic of Trump who left the GOP party affiliation in 2018.

### Upsets Define Democratic Primaries

The election landscape was further shaped by significant shifts within the Democratic Party, particularly in Florida’s Senate primary. Democratic socialist Angie Nixon scored a major upset victory over former National Security Council aide Alex Vindman. This result marks a notable shift in the state's political dynamics for the upcoming general election cycle.

Meanwhile, Republican Representative Cory Mills lost his primary contest in Florida. Mills had previously received Trump’s backing but faced negative publicity and multiple probes during the campaign. In the 7th District, former television journalist Ryan Elijah defeated Mills. Additionally, in Florida's 19th District, local conservative talk radio station owner Jim Schwartzel won the Republican nomination over Catalina Lauf, who was also backed by Trump.

### Broader National Implications

The outcomes in Florida reflect a broader trend where endorsements from President Donald Trump did not guarantee victory for his preferred candidates. In Wyoming state Sen. Eric Barlow won the Republican primary for governor, defeating state Superintendent Megan Degenfelder, who had received Trump's endorsement. Similarly, Rep. Harriet Hageman won the Republican Senate primary in Wyoming.

Other states also saw notable developments. Alaska’s primary will determine if GOP Senator Dan Sullivan faces a candidate with his name on the November ballot, drawing attention from the Justice Department and grand jury subpoenas. In California, Democratic state Sen. Aisha Wahab held a narrow lead over Melissa Hernandez in the special election to replace former Rep. Eric Swalwell.

These results highlight the complex nature of this year's electoral cycle, where traditional party support structures are being tested by primary voters across multiple regions.
---
Fuente original: https://orlandoledgernews.com/noticia/byron-donalds-vs-david-jolly-set-for-florida-governor-race