Who’s running for Florida Governor 2026?
The 2026 Florida gubernatorial election is set to be a notable contest as incumbent Governor Ron DeSantis is term-limited and will vacate the office in early 2027. This open-seat race has drawn a long list of candidates from both major parties and independents, with competitive primaries expected. This article provides a comprehensive overview to help readers understand the Florida Governor election in 2026, the candidates, and the election process.
Who Is Running for Governor of Florida in 2026? Candidates, Details, and Election Facts
Florida voters will select their next Governor in 2026. The current Governor, Ron DeSantis (R), is term-limited and will not appear on the ballot, opening the field to new contenders. The race leans Republican based on recent elections but is expected to be highly competitive with primaries drawing significant interest from both parties. As Florida gears up for its 2026 gubernatorial election, the political landscape is marked by a wide range of candidates and heightened public attention.
Candidates in the 2026 Florida Governor Election
Democratic Candidates: The Democratic field includes Jerry Demings, Orange County Mayor and former law enforcement official, officially declared with experience in local government and a biography noting his connection to Val Demings, a former U.S. Representative. David Jolly, a former U.S. Representative and former Republican, has officially declared with endorsements from a line of Democratic officials as mentioned in the summary. Faith E. Antonio, Richard Paul Dembinsky, Dayna Marie Foster, Donald J. Peterson, Bill Slater, Jennifer Jenkins (former Brevard County School Board member), and Jose Javier Rodriguez have all filed and are listed as officially declared candidates. Republican Candidates: The Republican field includes Byron Donalds, U.S. Representative, officially declared and noted for having raised over $31 million according to summaries and with an endorsement from President Donald Trump. Paul Renner, former House Speaker, is officially declared. Other officially declared Republicans are William Todd Andros, Shea Cruel, Jim Holcomb, Daniel J. Imperato, John Joseph Mercadante, Caneste Succe, and Robert Edward “Bobby” Williams Jr. Casey DeSantis, Florida’s First Lady, is listed as a rumored candidate according to candidate filings and article summaries. Independent/Other Candidates: Independent candidates James Michael Brown, Andrea Lynn Klink, and Reginald Byron Strachan are all officially declared and have filed to run in the 2026 election. No additional information is provided for these candidates. Every candidate listed in the official filings above appears in this 2026 Florida Governor election, reflecting the race’s extensive candidate pool as of this writing.
Florida’s 2026 gubernatorial election detials
Florida’s 2026 gubernatorial election is an open-seat contest featuring a crowded field from both major parties as well as independent candidates. The governor is elected statewide, with all eligible voters participating in the general election. The official candidate listing from the Florida Division of Elections confirms multiple Republicans, Democrats, independents, candidates with no party affiliation, and minor party candidates. Several Republican and Democratic contenders have officially declared. The summary data and public reporting do not specify a nonpartisan or alternative primary format, nor special dates or procedure changes. The election is set to follow Florida’s standard process: party primaries determine the Democratic and Republican nominees, each of whom will advance to the general election. Details on primary or general election dates are not included in the input data provided. The 2026 governor’s race is expected to be competitive with significant interest across party lines. Fundraising, endorsements, and the potential for historic firsts—such as the possibility of Florida electing its first Black governor—are part of the broader discussion, but the fundamental process remains the traditional primary and general election sequence.
Polling and Race Outlook for the 2026 Florida Governor Election
Current public opinion polling for the 2026 Florida gubernatorial race indicates that Republican candidates Byron Donalds and Casey DeSantis are leading in head-to-head matchups against both David Jolly and Jerry Demings of the Democratic Party. Polling numbers cited in the provided summaries show Donalds leading Jolly by 11 points (45%-34%) and Demings by 12 points (45%-33%). Casey DeSantis, who has not yet officially declared, leads Jolly by 13 points (47%-34%) and Demings by 11 points (47%-36%). Competitive primaries are expected for both major parties with a particularly crowded Republican field. No details regarding the share of undecided voters or significant polling advantages outside those listed are present in the summaries. The race is described as highly competitive, reflecting Florida’s evolving political landscape. Reporting also highlights Donalds’ fundraising advantages and high-profile endorsement.
Key Issues in the 2026 Florida Governor Race
The 2026 Florida Governor election campaign is characterized by a focus on multiple key issues, including immigration, transgender issues, economic and pocketbook concerns, political alignment and criticism of former President Donald Trump, housing costs, property insurance, and property taxes. Broader topics such as the economy and jobs, the state’s approach to political division and polarization, and debates over childhood vaccine mandates are also shaping the discourse of the race. All these issues are present in candidate biographies, campaign summaries, and public discussions, reflecting the diverse priorities and policy debates facing Florida voters in this cycle. Discussions about the restoration of voting rights for citizens with felony convictions have also been featured, underscoring the varied policy concerns influencing the 2026 contest.
Work With Sutton & Smart on Your Campaign
Campaign professionals, candidates, and organizations can partner with Sutton & Smart for services including petition gathering, canvassing, voter contact, and political consulting for the 2026 Florida election.
https://dos.elections.myflorida.com/candidates/CanList.asp?elecid=20261103-GEN&OfficeCode=GOV
https://www.sentencingproject.org/fact-sheet/florida-bans-voting-rights-of-over-960000-citizens/
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Jon Sutton
An expert in management, strategy, and field organizing, Jon has been a frequent commentator in national publications.
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