Rep. Byron Donalds made history Tuesday by winning the Florida governor’s race and becoming the first black governor elected in the state, but his victory quickly triggered debate over how black political identity is treated when a candidate does not align with the Democratic Party.

Donalds, a Republican from Florida, was elected to succeed term-limited Gov. Ron DeSantis.

His win drew a critical reaction from MSNOW host Symone Sanders Townsend, a former press secretary for Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., according to Fox News.

“I will say, though, you know, as they say in my community, all kinfolk ain’t skinfolk,” Sanders Townsend said.

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She explained that although Donalds’ victory was historic, she expected him to continue the political direction of DeSantis.

“And what I say and what I mean by that is Byron Donalds is making history, but he is going to continue the political direction that Ron DeSantis is going to continue in Florida,” she added.

The remarks drew criticism from conservatives who argued that Sanders Townsend was effectively suggesting that black identity should be tied to a particular political ideology.

Tim Graham, Media Research Center director of media analysis and executive editor of NewsBusters, said the comments fit a broader pattern of criticism directed at black conservatives.

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“Symone Sanders is trying to argue that blackness and conservatism are polar opposites or that being a black conservative is being a traitor to your race,” Graham said.

He argued that Sanders Townsend was framing DeSantis’ record as anti-black and suggesting Donalds would carry those policies forward.

“She suggests that Gov. Ron DeSantis has been anti-black in his policies, and so Donalds is going to continue this allegedly anti-black agenda,” Graham continued.

Sanders Townsend also acknowledged Donalds’ historic achievement while continuing to emphasize his ideological similarities to DeSantis.

“It is a historic win. It is the first time Florida has elected a Black governor,” Sanders Townsend said.

She then referenced Donalds’ appearance on “The Breakfast Club.”

“And, so, he was on ‘The Breakfast Club’ this morning, was being asked about all kinds of policies and whatnot. And he, you know, sounded similar to Ron DeSantis,” she said.

Symone Sanders essentially just called Byron Donalds an Uncle Tom

“All kinfolk ain’t skinfolk.” This is real racism https://t.co/37TePv80v7 — Media Research Center (@theMRC) November 4, 2026

Her reaction contrasted with comments from some black Democrats in Florida who treated Donalds’ victory as a milestone even if they did not agree with him politically.

The Miami Herald reported that Gainesville City Commissioner Cynthia Chesnut, a black Democrat, supported Donalds despite opposition from some members of her own party.

“Our day has come. Our time has come. This is a new day,” Chesnut said.

She argued that Donalds’ election should force voters and political leaders to reconsider assumptions about black leadership in Florida.

“This is a new day, and that’s what it says to Florida. You’re going to have to reassess how you look at black leadership,” Chesnut said.

Chesnut also explained why she crossed party lines to support him.

“I endorsed him because I was impressed with his campaign philosophy and what he planned to do for Florida. So this is a great day for Florida. It’s a great day for all the children of Florida because it says to them, you too can be governor of the state of Florida,” she said.

Stephen Hunter Johnson, a Democratic member of the Miami-Dade County Black Affairs Advisory Board, also acknowledged the significance of Donalds’ win despite disagreeing with him politically.

Johnson said the result showed that “anything you want in this country, you can go and get if you’re willing.”

He added that the election demonstrated Florida voters were willing to entrust a black candidate with the state’s highest office.

“It’s nice to know that Florida trusted a black man with that responsibility,” he said. “Even if it’s a black man I disagree with.”

Donalds’ victory now places him in a unique position in Florida political history.

He will take over from DeSantis while also becoming the first black governor elected by the state’s voters.

The immediate reaction to his win has highlighted a broader disagreement over whether racial milestones should be celebrated independently of party affiliation or whether political ideology changes how those milestones are viewed.

While Sanders Townsend emphasized Donalds’ conservative politics and his similarities to DeSantis, black Democrats such as Chesnut and Johnson focused on the significance of the achievement itself.

LMFAO! BYRON DONALDS: "You see, my opponent said the other day that my agenda is 'anti-black.'"

"Ladies and gentlemen — I don't know if you know this." "Breaking news." "Your next governor has been BLACK his ENTIRE LIFE!" "The color of my skin is NOT what qualifies me to be your governor." "The VISION for a great Florida, a free Florida...THAT is what qualifies me to be your next governor!" BOOM David Jolly is a total fraud and joke. He's about to lose! — Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) October 30, 2026

That contrast is likely to remain part of the discussion as Donalds prepares to take office and begin shaping his own administration in Tallahassee.

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