The Florida primary held on August 18, 2026, delivered clear victories for several high‑profile candidates and local measures. On the Republican side, U.S. Representative Byron Donalds emerged as the frontrunner for governor, earning 49.5% of the vote (244,976 votes). His nearest rival, former state senator Jay Collins, received 25.9% (128,340 votes). The remaining GOP field—Paul Renner, James Fishback, Bobby Williams, Rachel Rodriguez, Jim Holcomb, James Shaw, Arthur McCaffrey, Caneste Succe, and Daniel Nokovich—each garnered single‑digit percentages.
Democratic Gubernatorial Primary
Former U.S. Representative David Jolly won the Democratic nomination with a commanding 66.1% (287,410 votes). He was followed by Dayna Foster (11.9%), Dotie Joseph (9.3%), Evelyn Castillo‑Bach (6.8%), Thomas Fernandez (3.6%), and Stephann Norman (2.4%).
U.S. Senate Race
Incumbent Attorney General Ashley Moody secured an overwhelming 80% of the Republican Senate primary, translating to 456,173 votes. Challenger Chris Gleason earned 12.6% (71,770 votes), with Ernest Rivera and Neelam Perry receiving 5.3% and 2.1% respectively.
Democratic Senate Contention
State Senator Angie Nixon won the Democratic Senate primary with 53.2% (291,731 votes), narrowly defeating former White House aide Alex Vindman, who earned 46.8% (256,997 votes).
Miami‑Dade Local Referendums
Two city referendums were on the ballot. “Referendum 2” concerning the future of the historic Miami Marine Stadium passed with 70.07% approval (15,515 votes) against 29.93% opposition. “Referendum 1,” which would change the city’s election‑year schedule, also passed, receiving 61.49% support (13,568 votes) and 38.51% opposition (8,498 votes).
County Commissioner Races
In Miami‑Dade, Commissioner District 2 saw Marleine Bastien win decisively with 79.23% (9,084 votes). District 5 was more competitive; Vicki L. Lopez led with 41.75% (4,776 votes), followed by Rob Piper (29.73%) and Joe Sanchez (28.52%). District 8 elected Danielle Cohen Higgins with 57.56% (7,328 votes), while her opponents John Edward DuBois and Martha “Vega” Hero received 26.49% and 15.95% respectively.
School Board Results
For Miami‑Dade School Board District 1, candidate Katrina Wilson topped the field with 34.17% (6,693 votes). District 8 was uncontested, with Monica Colucci receiving 100% of the vote (15,081 votes).
Other County Races
In Broward County, Commissioner District 6 elected Caryl Shuham with 47.83% (5,701 votes). The County Judge Group 11 race was won by Veronica N. Walker, who secured 71.96% (91,313 votes). Several school board seats across Broward were decided, with incumbents and challengers ranging from 56% to 74% of the vote.
Key Takeaways
The primary results underscore strong support for established Republican figures in statewide races, while Democratic contests remain competitive. Local referendums in Miami‑Dade indicate voter willingness to preserve historic landmarks and adjust election timing. County and school board outcomes reflect a mix of decisive victories and closely fought races, setting the stage for the November general election.
Original reporting: NBC6 Miami — read the source article.
