JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Donna Deegan made history in Florida politics and with her victory the Democrat delivered a blow to Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Deegan, 62, a retired journalist and breast cancer awareness advocate, became the first woman to be elected mayor of Jacksonville.
The city voters first elected a mayor there in 1832.
Tuesday’s runoff election in Duval County was against Daniel Davis, a former Republican member of the Florida House of Representatives from 2010 to 2014.
DeSantis endorsed Davis, 50, a father of four, in March saying he was “the proven law and order conservative” Jacksonville needed. Voters disagreed.
Lenny Curry, the Republican incumbent, had been in office since July 1, 2015.
Mood. pic.twitter.com/L5U05Kco8l
— Donna Deegan (@DonnaDeegan) May 17, 2023
Polls are open until 7:00. So grateful for this team and all of their hard work. pic.twitter.com/tmT1g1wZEv
— Daniel Davis (@DanielDavisFL) May 16, 2023
Congratulations to Mayor-Elect Donna Deegan. We look forward to your leadership and vision as you help guide our City into the future. Thank you for your oath and commitment to all of our citizens. pic.twitter.com/3dj49pk4mG
— City of Jacksonville (@CityofJax) May 17, 2023