Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum conceded Florida's gubernatorial&nbsp;election on Saturday as a recount of ballots neared its end, and the Democrat congratulated Republican former congressman Ron DeSantis on becoming the state's next governor.

"This has been the journey of our lives. We've been so honoured by the support that we've received," Gillum said in a video statement. "We know that this fight continues, in spite of the outcome of this election."

Gillum had conceded to DeSantis on election night, but retracted it after the margin between the two candidates narrowed. The race went to a legally required recount, but after an initial machine recount DeSantis still led Gillum by more than 30,000 votes.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Democrat admits defeat in hard-fought Georgia governor race, vows to sue

Georgia Democrat Stacey Abrams admitted defeat in her effort to become the first black female U.S. governor on Friday, but said she planned to sue the state over voting problems and "gross mismanagement" of the election.

Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams makes remarks during a press conference at the Abrams Headquarters in Atlanta, Friday, Nov. 16, 2018. Democrat Stacey Abrams says she will file a federal lawsuit to challenge the "gross mismanagement" of Georgia elections. Abrams made the comments in a Friday speech, shortly after she said she can't win the race, effectively ending her challenge to Republican Brian Kemp.

Election 2018 Georgia Governor

Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams makes remarks during a news conference at the Abrams Headquarters in Atlanta, Ga. on Friday.

Florida senate race headed for hand recount

Florida is headed for a hand recount of ballots in the tight race between Democratic U.S. Senator Bill Nelson and his Republican challenger, Gov. Rick Scott.

U.S. Senator Bill Nelson, left, trails Florida Gov. Rick Scott at present, but the race could be headed to a recount.  

USA-ELECTION/FLORIDA

U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, left, trails outgoing Florida governor Rick Scott by 0.25 per cent after a machine recount of ballots, triggering a hand recount to determine the winner of the Senate seat. 

Gillum's announcement came hours after U.S. President Donald Trump said on Twitter that Gillum will be a "strong Democrat warrior" and a "force to reckon with."

There was no immediate response from DeSantis or his campaign.

Despite a Republican winning the race for governor, counties across the state are still&nbsp;in the middle of a hand recount for two statewide contests,&nbsp;including the race for U.S. Senate.&nbsp;

Counties have until noon on Sunday to report official results to the state officials.

Andrew Gillum, the Democratic candidate for governor of Florida, speaks at a news conference on Nov. 10 in Tallahassee, Fla. Following an initial recount,  Gillum conceded on Saturday and congratulated his Republican opponent, Ron DeSantis. 

Democrat Andrew Gillum concedes Florida governor's race following vote recount

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