2026 Florida gubernatorial election
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| Elections in Florida |
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The 2026 Florida gubernatorial election will take place on November 3, 2026, to elect the next governor of Florida, alongside other state and local elections. Incumbent Republican Governor Ron DeSantis is term-limited and cannot seek re-election to a third consecutive term.
Background
[edit]A heavily populated South Atlantic state with a large and increasingly conservative Latino American population and the northern parts lying in the Bible Belt, Florida is considered to be a red state, having not elected a Democratic governor since 1994 and having moved significantly rightward in the last decade. In 2022, incumbent Governor Ron DeSantis was re-elected by a 19.4% margin, a considerable improvement from his 0.4-point victory four years earlier in the gubernatorial election during the 2018 blue wave. This was followed two years later by Republican Donald Trump winning his adoptive home state by a 13% margin as he won a second non-consecutive presidential term, improving his 3.3% margin of victory in 2020 and seemingly diminishing Florida's longtime swing-state status.[citation needed] Republicans also control all statewide offices, a large majority of the state's U.S. House delegation, both U.S. Senate seats and supermajorities in both houses of the Florida Legislature.
Eligibility and requirements
[edit]Article IV, Section 5(b) of the Florida Constitution states that, for a person to serve as governor, they must:[1]
- Be at least thirty years old;
- Be a permanent resident of Florida for at least seven years;
- Not have served as governor for six years or more of the two prior terms.
Republican primary
[edit]Candidates
[edit]Declared
[edit]- Charles Burkett, mayor of Surfside (2006–2010, 2020–2022, 2024–present)[2]
- Byron Donalds, U.S. representative for Florida's 19th congressional district (2021–present)[3]
Publicly expressed interest
[edit]- Casey DeSantis, former WJXT newscaster and First Lady of Florida (2019–present)[4]
- Matt Gaetz, former U.S. representative for Florida's 1st congressional district (2017–2024)[5][6]
- Ashton Hayward, former Mayor of Pensacola (2011–2018)[7]
Potential
[edit]- Jeanette Nuñez, interim president of Florida International University (2025–present) and former Lieutenant Governor of Florida (2019–2025)[8][9]
- Wilton Simpson, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture (2023–present)[6][9]
- Francis Suarez, mayor of Miami (2017–present) and candidate for president in 2024[9]
Declined
[edit]- Ashley Moody, U.S. Senator (2025–present) (running for election)[10]
Endorsements
[edit]Byron Donalds
U.S. presidents
- Donald Trump, 45th and 47th President of the United States (2017–2021; 2025–present)[11]
Executive Branch officials
- Scott Bessent, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury (2025–present)[12]
- Dan Bongino, Deputy Director of the FBI (2025–present)[13]
- Doug Burgum, U.S. Secretary of the Interior (2025–present)[12]
- Jacob Helberg, nominee to be Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment[12]
- Peter Lamelas, nominee to be U.S. Ambassador to Colombia[12]
- Kelly Loeffler, Administrator of the Small Business Administration (2025–present)[12]
- Dan Newlin, nominee to be U.S. Ambassador to Argentina[12]
- John Phelan, U.S. Secretary of the Navy[12]
- Andy Puzder, nominee to be U.S. Ambassador to the European Union[12]
- David Sacks, chair of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (2025–present)[12]
- Steve Witkoff, U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East (2025–present)[12]
U.S. senators
- Rick Scott, U.S. senator from Florida (2019–present); 45th Governor of Florida (2011–2019)[14]
U.S. representatives
- Vern Buchanan, FL-16 (2007–present)[15]
- Kat Cammack, FL-03 (2021–present)[16]
- Mario Díaz-Balart, FL-26 (2003–present)[17]
- Randy Fine, FL-06 (2025–present)[18]
- Scott Franklin, FL-18 (2021–present)[17]
- Mike Johnson, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives (2023–present) from LA-04 (2017–present)[19]
- Laurel Lee, FL-15 (2023–present)[17]
- Brian Mast, FL-21 (2017–present)[17]
- Jeff Miller, FL-01 (2001–2017)[12]
- Cory Mills, FL-07 (2023–present)[16]
- John Rutherford, FL-05 (2017–present)[17]
- María Elvira Salazar, FL-27 (2021–present)[17]
- Daniel Webster, FL-11 (2011–present)[17]
State Executive Officials
- Carlos Beruff, Chair of the Florida Constitution Revision Commission (2017–2018)[12]
State senators
- Joe Gruters, 22nd district (2018–present)[18]
- Jonathan Martin, 33rd district (2022-present)[20]
State representatives
- Adam Botana, 80th district (2020-present)[20]
- Yvette Benarroch, 81st district (2024–present)[18][20]
- Tiffany Esposito, 77th district (2022-present)[20]
- Berny Jacques, 59th district (2022–present)[18]
- Lauren Melo, 82nd district (2020–present)[21][20]
- Toby Overdorf, 85th district (2018–present)[18]
- Jenna Persons-Mulicka, 78th district (2020–present)[18][20]
- Juan Carlos Porras, 119th district (2022–present)[18]
- Spencer Roach, 76th district (2022–2024)[18][20]
- Bob Rommel, 81st district (2016-2024)[20]
Individuals
- Marc Andreessen, co-founder of Andreessen Horowitz[12]
- Brian Ballard, founder of Ballard Partners[12]
- Erika Donalds, education activist (candidate's wife)[22]
- Joe Gebbia, co-founder of Airbnb[12]
- Ben Horowitz, co-founder of Andreessen Horowitz[12]
- Benny Johnson, political commentator[13]
- Jay Kemmerer, owner of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort[12]
- Adam Kidan, President of Empire Workforce[12]
- Charlie Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA[23]
- Omeed Malik, banker[12]
- Ross Perot Jr., real estate developer[12]
- Harry Sargeant III, oil executive[12]
- David Steward, founder of World Wide Technology[12]
- Donald Trump Jr., businessman and son of President Donald Trump[24]
- Christian Ziegler, Chair of the Florida Republican Party (2023–2024)[25]
- George Zoley, founder and CEO of GEO Group[12]
- Organizations
Polling
[edit]Hypothetical polling
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[a] |
Margin of error |
Casey DeSantis |
Byron Donalds |
Matt Gaetz |
Ashley Moody |
Jeanette Nuñez |
Jimmy Patronis |
Wilton Simpson |
Francis Suarez |
Michael Waltz |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fabrizio, Lee & Associates (R)[28] | February 26–27, 2025 | 600 (LV) | ± 5.0% | 30% | 34% | – | – | – | – | 3% | – | – | – | 33% |
| Victory Insights (R)[29] | January 26–27, 2025 | 850 (LV) | ± 3.5% | – | 34% | – | – | – | – | 5% | – | – | – | 61% |
| – | 31% | – | – | 4% | – | 3% | 1% | – | – | 60% | ||||
| Florida Atlantic University/ Mainstreet Research[30] |
June 8–9, 2024 | 366 (RV) | ± 3.3% | 43% | 19% | 13% | 14% | – | 5% | – | – | – | 7%[b] | – |
| Victory Insights (R)[31] | April 3–6, 2024 | 1,200 (LV) | ± 2.9% | – | 21% | 13% | – | – | 3% | 2% | – | 5% | 14%[c] | 43% |
| University of North Florida[32] | October 23 – November 4, 2023 | 788 (LV) | ± 3.8% | 22% | 9% | 9% | 6% | 2% | 3% | 1% | 1% | 1% | 6%[d] | 40% |
Casey DeSantis vs. Matt Gaetz
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[a] |
Margin of error |
Casey DeSantis |
Matt Gaetz |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida Atlantic University/ Mainstreet Research[33] |
April 15–17, 2024 | 372 (RV) | ± 3.3% | 38% | 16% | 20%[e] | 26% |
Democratic primary
[edit]Candidates
[edit]Formed exploratory committee
[edit]- David Jolly, former chair of the Serve America Movement (2021–2022) and former Republican U.S. representative from Florida's 13th congressional district (2014–2017)[34]
Publicly expressed interest
[edit]- Fentrice Driskell, minority leader of the Florida House of Representatives (2022–present) from the 67th district (2018–present)[35]
- Shevrin Jones, state senator from the 35th district (2020–present) and chair of the Miami-Dade County Democratic Party (2024–present)[8]
Potential
[edit]- Daniella Levine Cava, mayor of Miami-Dade County (2020–present)[35]
- Gwen Graham, former Assistant Secretary of Education (2021–2025), former U.S. representative from Florida's 2nd congressional district (2015–2017), daughter of former governor Bob Graham, and candidate for governor in 2018[36]
- Angie Nixon, state representative from the 13th district (2020–present)[36]
Declined
[edit]- Nikki Fried, chair of the Florida Democratic Party (2023–present), former Florida Commissioner of Agriculture (2019–2023), and candidate for governor in 2022[37]
- Jared Moskowitz, U.S. representative from Florida's 23rd congressional district (2023–present)[38] (running for re-election)[39]
Independents
[edit]Filed paperwork
[edit]- Moliere Dimanche, writer[40]
Publicly expressed interest
[edit]- Charles Burkett, mayor of Surfside[41]
- John Morgan, lawyer and founder of Morgan & Morgan[42][35]
- Jason Pizzo, former minority leader of the Florida Senate (2024–2025) from the 37th district (2018–present) (decision expected by September 2025)[34]
General election
[edit]Predictions
[edit]| Source | Ranking | As of |
|---|---|---|
| The Cook Political Report[43] | Solid R | January 23, 2025 |
| Inside Elections[44] | Solid R | February 6, 2025 |
Polling
[edit]Hypothetical polling
See also
[edit]Notes
[edit]Partisan clients
References
[edit]- ^ "Article IV, Florida Constitution". Ballotpedia. Retrieved May 13, 2023.
- ^ Scheckner, Jesse (March 31, 2025). "Charles Burkett, Surfside's 4-term Mayor, says he's running for Governor". Florida Politics. Retrieved March 31, 2025.
- ^ Leonard, Kimberly; Matat, Stephany (February 25, 2025). "Rep. Byron Donalds, backed by Trump, says he's running for Florida governor". Associated Press. Retrieved February 25, 2025.
- ^ Llanos, Jackie (March 21, 2025). "Casey DeSantis on whether she'll run for governor: 'We'll see'". Florida Phoenix. Retrieved March 25, 2025.
- ^ Calder, Rich (November 23, 2024). "Ex-Rep. Matt Gaetz teases run for Florida governor". New York Post. Retrieved November 24, 2024.
- ^ a b Wilson, Kirby (January 7, 2025). "Matt Gaetz: 'I am starting to think about running for governor'". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
- ^ Little, Jim (November 14, 2024). "Campaign to replace Matt Gaetz in Congress starting to take shape". Pensacola News Journal. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
- ^ a b Neely, Samantha (November 25, 2024). "Can DeSantis run in 2026? Matt Gaetz and others who may get in race for Florida governor". Tallahassee Democrat. Retrieved November 28, 2024.
- ^ a b c Ogles, Jacob (January 29, 2025). "Byron Donalds holds massive lead in poll on gubernatorial contenders". Florida Politics. Retrieved February 17, 2025.
- ^ Gancarski, A.G. (January 18, 2025). "2026 cash chase begins for Ashley Moody before Senate swearing-in". Florida Politics. Retrieved February 14, 2025.
- ^ Dixon, Matt (February 20, 2025). "Trump backs Rep. Byron Donalds in his likely run for Florida governor in 2026". NBC News. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w Wilson, Kirby (February 17, 2025). "Does Donald Trump have a favorite Republican in the 2026 governor's race?". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved March 18, 2025.
- ^ a b Scheckner, Jesse (March 17, 2025). "'A true patriot': Byron Donalds adds endorsement from Miami Young Republicans". Florida Politics. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
- ^ Gancarski, A.G. (March 17, 2025). "Rick Scott siding with Byron Donalds over Casey DeSantis for Florida Governor". Florida Politics. Retrieved March 18, 2025.
- ^ Leonard, Kimberly (March 18, 2025). "Trump-backed Byron Donalds gets first congressional endorsement for Florida governor". Politico. Retrieved March 18, 2025.
- ^ a b Leonard, Kimberly; Domínguez, Isa (March 28, 2025). "Parkland bill faces the state Senate — again". Politico. Retrieved March 28, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g Ogles, Jacob (April 9, 2025). "Seven more Florida congressional colleagues endorse Byron Donalds for Governor". Florida Politics. Retrieved April 9, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Dixon, Matt (February 26, 2025). "Florida leaders line up to endorse Byron Donalds on Day 1". Florida Politics. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
- ^ Leonard, Kimberly; Domínguez, Isa (April 3, 2025). "Stephanie Murphy talks next moves — for her and for Democrats". Politico. Retrieved April 3, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h "LIVE: Byron Donalds Florida governor run kick off". FOX 35 Orlando. March 28, 2025. Retrieved March 30, 2025.
- ^ Ogles, Jacob (March 29, 2025). "'Bold and clear': Byron Donalds kicks off campaign for Governor from Bonita Springs". Florida Politics. Retrieved March 28, 2025.
- ^ Gancarski, A.G. (March 27, 2025). "Erika Donalds says Casey DeSantis 'teased a run' for Governor, but Byron Donalds can better deal with Florida issues". Florida Politics. Retrieved March 27, 2025.
- ^ Ogles, Jacob (March 13, 2025). "Turning Point USA's Charlie Kirk backs Byron Donalds' bid for Governor". Florida Politics. Retrieved March 13, 2025.
- ^ Caputo, Marc (March 12, 2025). "Scoop: Trump Jr. backs Donalds for Fla. governor in MAGA squeeze play". Axios. Retrieved March 12, 2025.
- ^ Scheckner, Jesse (March 10, 2025). "Poll: Donald Trump's endorsement gives Byron Donalds double-digit lead in GOP Primary for Governor". Florida Politics. Retrieved March 13, 2025.
- ^ Mitola, Will (March 11, 2025). "CfG PAC Endorses Rep. Byron Donalds in FL-GOV Race". Club for Growth. Retrieved March 11, 2025.
- ^ Gancarski, A.G. (May 8, 2024). "After Gainesville pizza problem, Ric Flair endorses Ashley Moody for Governor". Florida Politics.
- ^ Scheckner, Jesse (March 10, 2025). "Poll: Donald Trump's endorsement gives Byron Donalds double-digit lead in GOP Primary for Governor". Florida Politics. Retrieved April 24, 2025.
- ^ "Byron Donalds Dominates Republican Primary Field for Governor of Florida" (PDF). Victory Insights. January 29, 2025. Retrieved April 24, 2025.
- ^ "Mainstreet Research Survey - Florida" (PDF). FAU Polling. June 12, 2024. Retrieved April 24, 2025.
- ^ "FLORIDA POLL: Byron Donalds Leads First Poll of 2026 GOP Race for Governor" (PDF). Victory Insights. April 12, 2024. Retrieved April 24, 2025.
- ^ "UNF Poll: Trump Pulls Ahead in Florida Republican Presidential Primary" (PDF). University of North Florida. November 7, 2023. Retrieved April 24, 2025.
- ^ "Mainstreet Research Survey - Florida" (PDF). FAU Polling. April 18, 2024. Retrieved April 24, 2025.
- ^ a b Leonard, Kimberly; Fineout, Gary (April 24, 2025). "David Jolly registers as a Democrat, making moves toward Florida governor bid". Politico. Retrieved April 24, 2025.
- ^ a b c Wilson, Kirby (January 10, 2025). "Who's running for Florida governor? How the 2026 field is shaping up". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved January 10, 2025.
- ^ a b Gancarski, A.G. (March 7, 2025). "Gwen Graham looks to make the 'right decision' about future. Another run for Governor?". Florida Politics. Retrieved March 7, 2025.
- ^ Leonard, Kimberly (January 25, 2025). "Florida Democrats reelect Nikki Fried as state party chair". Politico. Retrieved March 25, 2025.
Fried said in an interview after the vote that she would not be running for governor in 2026, as had been widely expected.
- ^ Solender, Andrew (November 27, 2024). "Scoop: A huge wave of House members is eyeing runs for other offices in 2026". Axios. Retrieved November 27, 2024.
- ^ Adragna, Anthony (December 17, 2024). "Moskowitz brushes aside FEMA reports". Politico. Retrieved December 17, 2024.
'I am staying in Congress and running for re-election,' Moskowitz (D-Fla.) said
- ^ Of Elections, Florida Division (June 26, 2024). "Candidate Tracking System". Florida Division of Elections. Retrieved June 26, 2024.
- ^ Scheckner, Jesse (March 31, 2025). "Charles Burkett, Surfside's 4-term Mayor, says he's running for Governor". Florida Politics. Retrieved April 1, 2025.
- ^ Leonard, Kimberly (December 12, 2024). "John Morgan on how he'd run for gov". Politico. Retrieved December 13, 2024.
- ^ "2026 CPR Governor Race ratings". Cook Political Report. Retrieved January 23, 2025.
- ^ "Gubernatorial Ratings". Inside Elections. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
- ^ "Survey of Likely General Election Voters - Florida Stateweide" (PDF). Cygnal. October 30, 2024. Retrieved April 24, 2025.
External links
[edit]Official campaign websites
