Byron Donalds and David Jolly spent the same day in the same city this week, each rallying supporters in Tallahassee one week before the November 3 election. They never shared a stage. Donalds, the Republican congressman, ran on consistency, appeared with his running mate and Florida’s chief financial officer, and notably drew no mention of President Trump from anyone on that stage. Jolly, his Democratic opponent, built his pitch around a state and a nation exhausted by current politics.
The numbers tell two different stories heading into the final week. A recent UNF poll shows the race could be a toss-up, while some prediction markets put Jolly’s chances as low as 20%. That gap between surveys and markets means turnout will likely decide it, and voters in Gulf Coast communities from Sarasota to Bradenton to Venice could help tip the balance. If Donalds wins, he would become Florida’s first Black governor.
Early voting is already underway across the Suncoast, and Election Day is Tuesday, November 3. Check your voter registration, confirm your polling location, and make a plan before the week gets away from you.
What issue matters most to you in this governor’s race? Tell us in the comments.
