Florida Governor-elect Byron Donalds opened his victory speech Tuesday night by publicly declaring his Christian faith, thanking Jesus Christ before celebrating his historic election as the state’s first Black governor.
“Before I say anything, I want to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,” Donalds declared before an enthusiastic crowd of supporters gathered in Hollywood, Florida.
The Republican congressman defeated Democrat David Jolly in a closely contested gubernatorial race, extending Republican control of Florida’s governor’s mansion and becoming the first Black Republican elected governor in American history.
A close ally of President Donald Trump, Donalds also thanked the president for his endorsement and support, declaring, “Mr. President, I want you to hear from Florida that we are still red.”
Donalds, who will succeed term-limited Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, has pledged to build on Florida’s conservative leadership, strengthen public safety, and address rising living costs.
His decision to begin the celebration by honoring Jesus Christ offered a public expression of faith on one of the most significant nights of his political career.
