Florida Candidates Mark Election Night Wins and Concessions with Distinctive Walkout Songs
The article details the walkout songs played by Florida candidates during their election night watch parties in the Tampa Bay area. Byron Donalds used Pitbull's "Fireball" after winning the governor's race, while Charlie Crist's victory as St. Petersburg's mayor was…
Tampa St. Petersburg, FL, November 4, 2026 — In the recent election cycle, Florida candidates utilized music to underscore key moments during their election night gatherings across the Tampa Bay area, reflecting different moods from victory celebrations to concession speeches. The selection of walkout songs often served as a sonic backdrop for pivotal announcements and campaign milestones.
Byron Donalds marked his win in the governor’s race by playing “Fireball” by Pitbull. The energetic track signaled a moment of triumph for the candidate as results confirmed his victory.
Meanwhile, Charlie Crist’s successful bid for St. Petersburg’s mayor was celebrated with the iconic rock anthem “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC. The band’s powerful song accompanied Crist’s victory announcement.
On the other hand, David Jolly’s concession speech was accompanied by a more reflective musical choice: Coldplay’s “Sky Full of Stars.” This selection accompanied the candidate as he addressed supporters following the election results.
Ashley Moody also experienced a victory, securing a win for U.S. Senate. Her campaign watch party, held in Ybor City, featured crowd cheers alongside a selection of freestyle music, creating a festive atmosphere to celebrate the outcome.
The use of specific songs at these high-profile events highlights how campaigns leverage music to shape the narrative and atmosphere of election night, providing distinct auditory signatures for their respective moments in the political spotlight.
Story summarized from the original created by By Neha Seenarine, Times staff on www.tampabay.com, see more information here.
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