Florida voters wrapped up a busy primary day on Tuesday, delivering two headline‑making outcomes that will shape the state’s political landscape heading into the November midterms. In the Republican gubernatorial primary, Rep. Byron Donalds emerged as the party’s nominee, joining a historic slate of Black candidates for governor across the nation. On the Democratic side, progressive state Rep. Angie Nixon pulled off a stunning upset, defeating former National Security Council official Alex Vindman despite being vastly out‑raised.
Byron Donalds becomes first Black GOP governor nominee in Florida
Donald, a rising Republican star from Southwest Florida, captured the GOP nomination to succeed term‑limited Gov. Ron DeSantis. His victory adds him to a growing list of Black gubernatorial hopefuls, including Rep. John James in Michigan and Lisa Demuth in Minnesota. If elected, Donald would be the first Black governor in Florida’s history. He will face David Jolly, a former Republican who has run as an independent and Democrat, in the general election.
Progressive upset in the state Senate primary
In a race that highlighted the ongoing tension between establishment and outsider candidates, progressive Rep. Angie Nixon defeated retired Army Lt. Col. Alex Vindman, who previously testified during the 2019 impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump. Nixon raised less than $1 million, while Vindman’s campaign outspent her by more than 16‑to‑1. Nixon’s victory secures her place on the ballot to challenge Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis‑appointed Sen. Ashley Moody for the remainder of Marco Rubio’s former Senate term.
Other notable primary outcomes
U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz won the Democratic nomination in a newly drawn, Republican‑leaning district, defeating union organizer Oliver Larkin. In the congressional race for a South Florida seat, longtime Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz easily retained her nomination, beating former Rep. Sheila Cherfilus‑McCormick and three other candidates in a plurality‑Black district.
Trump‑backed candidate Catalina Lauf lost the race for the vacant congressional seat to radio host Jim Schwartzel. The contest featured several candidates with prior scandals, including former Rep. Madison Cawthorn and former Rep. Chris Collins, both of whom had previously left office amid controversy.
Republican incumbent defeated
Republican Rep. Cory Mills was unseated by former television reporter Ryan Elijah. Mills faced allegations of domestic violence and had lost support from Governor DeSantis and other state leaders, despite an early endorsement from former President Trump.
Alaska’s double‑Sullivan primary clarified
Alaska voters saw both incumbent Sen. Dan Sullivan and a second candidate named Dan J. Sullivan Jr. on the ballot. The incumbent secured the top spot and will advance with former Rep. Mary Peltola to the November general election. The second Sullivan, a retired teacher, denied claims that he was a placeholder for Democrats.
Wyoming governor primary
In Wyoming, Trump‑endorsed Superintendent Megan Degenfelder lost to state Sen. Eric Barlow, a Marine veteran and veterinarian. Trump’s other gubernatorial picks in states such as Minnesota, Iowa, Georgia, and South Carolina have also faced primary setbacks this cycle.
These primary results underscore the shifting dynamics within both parties as they head toward the 2026 midterm elections, with voters in Florida and beyond signaling a willingness to back candidates who break traditional molds while still navigating the influence of national endorsements.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
