The Associated Press has projected former Republican congressman David Jolly as the Democratic Party’s nominee for the 2026 Florida governor’s race. Jolly, who switched parties last year, now leads the Democratic field and will face Republican Byron Donalds in the November general election.
Party switch and past attempts
Jolly’s party change marks a rare attempt to carry the Democratic banner in a state where a former Republican has previously fallen short. In 2022, former Republican Governor Charlie Crist won the Democratic nomination but lost to incumbent Governor Ron DeSantis by nearly 20 percentage points.
Governor DeSantis out of the race
Florida law limits governors to two consecutive terms, preventing DeSantis from seeking a third term in 2026. While he could run for another office in the future, he has confirmed he will not appear on the ballot this cycle. DeSantis also said he will not endorse any candidate in the Republican primary, emphasizing his desire to stay out of the campaign.
Republican primary outlook
Byron Donalds, a U.S. representative, has emerged as the leading Republican contender. In a recent statement, Donalds said, “I look forward to working with Gov. DeSantis to keep Florida as the best state in America. We both agree that David Jolly and the Democrats cannot lead Florida into the future — his high‑tax, open‑borders agenda would make life less affordable and less safe for Florida’s working families.” Other Republican figures, including Lt. Gov. Jay Collins and former state Sen. Paul Renner, have voiced support for the GOP field and highlighted the importance of maintaining a “Free State of Florida” agenda.
Election timeline
The 2026 Florida elections are scheduled for Nov. 3, 2026, alongside the nationwide midterm elections. Key dates from the Florida Division of Elections include:
- Sept. 19 – Deadline to send vote‑by‑mail ballots to UOCAVA voters
- Sept. 24 – Oct. 1 – Deadline to send vote‑by‑mail ballots to domestic voters
- Oct. 5 – Voter registration deadline
- Oct. 22 – Deadline to request a mailed ballot
- Oct. 24 – 31 – Mandatory early voting period
Voters across the state will cast ballots for governor, U.S. Senate, U.S. House, state legislators, judges, and numerous local offices.
What the race means for Florida families
Both candidates have framed the election around issues that directly affect Florida families. Donalds emphasizes low taxes, border security, and preserving the state’s economic competitiveness. Jolly, meanwhile, is expected to focus on expanding public services and addressing climate resilience, though his exact platform remains to be detailed.
Florida’s electorate will weigh the experience of a former Republican turned Democrat against a sitting Republican congressman, while also considering the broader implications of DeSantis’s departure from the governor’s office.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
