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Ron DeSantis becomes Florida's next governor

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - The Latest on Election Day in Florida (all times local):

11:45 p.m.

Florida Gov.-elect Ron DeSantis says he won the governor's race despite the "political and media classes" who had been eager to write his political obituary.

In a victory speech Tuesday night, DeSantis called Election Day "the one day the elites don't call the shots ... and they don't set the agenda."

DeSantis thanked President Donald Trump for his support.

The 40-year-old former U.S. congressman defeated Democratic Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, a 39-year-old politician who pulled off an upset when he won the Democratic primary in August.

DeSantis promised to keep the state's taxes low and protect taxpayer dollars. He also promised to protect Florida's environment by stopping red tides and restoring the Everglades.

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11:30 p.m.

Republican Ron DeSantis has been elected Florida governor, and keeping the seat in GOP control.

DeSantis was supported in the race by President Donald Trump.

Gillum conceded Tuesday night before a crowd gathered on the campus of Florida A&M University.

The Tallahassee mayor had sought to become the state's first black governor and the first Democrat to win the governor's race in more than 20 years.

Gillum said he was sorry "I couldn't bring it home for you" but added, "I'm not going anywhere."

The 39-year-old pulled off an upset when he won the Democratic primary in August.

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11:10 p.m.

Democrat Andrew Gillum has conceded Florida governor's race to Republican former U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis. The Associated Press called the race in DeSantis favor.

The Tallahassee mayor had sought to energize his party's voters as an unabashed liberal.

DeSantis had hoped to ride President Donald Trump's backing to victory.

Gillum conceded saying, “We didn’t win this transaction... but what we believe in holds true today.”

DeSantis is now set to be Florida's next governor.