Florida has elected Byron Donalds as its first Black governor. The 48-year-old Republican, a former member of Congress with a background in finance, was born in Brooklyn, New York, and built his career in Florida. He is an ally of President Donald Trump, whose state is among the most important politically.
Donalds will succeed Ron DeSantis, who is completing his second consecutive term. Florida’s constitution limits governors to two consecutive terms. Donalds will be the fifth Republican in a row to hold the office, following DeSantis, Rick Scott, Charlie Crist and Jeb Bush. The state has elected Republican governors repeatedly since 1998.
During his campaign, Donalds pledged to make Florida more affordable as rising living costs concern Americans. His proposals include lowering property taxes and insurance costs, streamlining and reducing government agencies, and encouraging business innovation.
Donalds raised more than $170 million for his campaign, over six times the amount raised by Democratic opponent David Jolly. After his election was confirmed, he said in a public statement: “Florida is the envy of the nation. I will fight day and night to keep it that way and raise our state even higher.”
Florida has the country’s third-largest population of people of Latin American origin, after California and Texas, and is home to a significant Cuban community. The state is also the home of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a prominent member of the Trump administration, and of Daniel “Danny” Perez, a possible next US ambassador to Brazil.
Sources: Folha Mundo.