Florida 2026 Elections: Candidates to Succeed DeSantis

Florida is preparing for a key election on November 3rd. Voters will choose the successor to Governor Ron DeSantis in the midterm elections.

Primary elections will take place next week, on Tuesday. That day, Republicans and Democrats will define their official candidates for the general race.

Republican Congressman Byron Donalds leads the preferences within his party. He has the direct backing of President Donald Trump.

The Trump-backed candidate

Donalds could become the first African American governor in Florida’s history. Trump has justified his support by saying that Donalds will implement his «America First» agenda.

The president wrote on Truth Social that Donalds will fight to keep the border secure. He also assured that Donalds will strengthen the military and protect veterans in the state.

Donalds, 48, has promised to strengthen Trump’s anti-immigration agenda in Florida. This is relevant for the Hispanic community, as three out of every 10 residents of the state are Hispanic.

What it means for the Hispanic community

In July, during an event with Venezuelans in Doral, Donalds warned about possible deportations. This would occur after the expiration of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) ordered by Trump.

This stance generates direct concern among Venezuelan and other nationality families in the state. TPS has been a key protection mechanism for thousands of migrants in Florida.

The congressman also faces personal controversies that could affect his campaign. He was arrested at ages 18 and 20 for marijuana sales and fraud.

Additionally, he has received donations from artificial intelligence (AI) companies. This contrasts with his promise to impose restrictions on data center construction in the state.

From Republican to Democrat out of rejection of Trump

On the opposing side, former Congressman David Jolly seeks to represent the Democratic Party. Democrats have not governed Florida since 1999, over two decades ago.

Jolly left Republican ranks in 2018 due to his criticisms of Trump’s first presidency. Today he leads by a wide margin the internal Democratic contest due to the lack of other well-known profiles.

The 53-year-old lawyer centers his campaign on an economy that works for everyone. He proposes concrete public solutions in housing, health, and education for Florida families.

An uphill electoral challenge

Jolly also promises to protect the rights and dignity of all state residents. This message seeks to connect directly with vulnerable communities, including the Hispanic community.

However, the candidate faces a complicated scenario within the state. Florida, once considered a swing state, now has a clear Republican advantage in its electoral rolls.

According to the Florida Department of State, there are 5.5 million registered Republican voters. Democrats total 4.04 million, out of a total of 13.42 million voters across the state.

The far-right hopeful

Businessman James Fishback, 31, is the son of a Colombian immigrant. His candidacy has generated the greatest controversies of the entire electoral race.

Fishback proposes a 50% «sin tax» on OnlyFans content creators. He has also publicly questioned U.S. economic aid to Israel.

His own party colleagues have accused him of using racist language on various occasions. He has called Donalds a «slave» and accused him of turning Florida into a «ghetto.»

Positions that generate controversy

The candidate has also made jokes about the Jewish community on several public occasions. Additionally, he has defended Nick Fuentes, identified by other Republicans as a white nationalist.

Fishback combines social conservatism positions with economic populism proposals. He supports a total abortion ban and mass deportations of undocumented migrants.

At the same time, he proposes state-paid maternity leave for working families. He also proposes a total veto on artificial intelligence data centers in Florida.

The Lieutenant Governor defending DeSantis’ legacy

Jay Collins, current Lieutenant Governor of Florida, completes the group of Republican aspirants. He seeks to continue the political legacy of outgoing Governor Ron DeSantis.

DeSantis was a Republican presidential hopeful in 2024 thanks to his anti-immigration stance. He also stood out for his cultural battles against progressive policies known as «woke.»

Collins, 50, served nearly two decades in the U.S. Armed Forces. He has attempted to prevent Fishback from appearing on the ballot through a lawsuit.

The lieutenant governor argued that Fishback does not meet the state residency requirements. Additionally, he warned that Donalds is «too risky» for Florida due to his controversial history.