2026 Florida gubernatorial election

For related races, see 2026 United States gubernatorial elections.

2026 Florida gubernatorial election

←  2022 November 3, 2026 2030 →

Party Republican Democratic

Incumbent Governor Ron DeSantis Republican

The 2026 Florida gubernatorial election will take place on November 3, 2026, to elect the next governor of Florida, alongside other state and local elections. Incumbent Republican Governor Ron DeSantis is term-limited and cannot seek re-election to a third consecutive term.

Background

A heavily populated South Atlantic state with a large and increasingly conservative Latino American population and the northern parts lying in the Bible Belt, Florida is considered to be a moderately to strongly red state, having not elected a Democratic governor since 1994 nor a Democrat for president since 2012 and having moved significantly rightward in the last decade. In 2022, incumbent Governor Ron DeSantis was re-elected by a 19.4% margin, a considerable improvement from his 0.4-point victory four years earlier in the gubernatorial election during the 2018 blue wave. This was followed two years later by Republican Donald Trump winning his adoptive home state by a 13% margin as he won a second non-consecutive presidential term, improving his 3.4% margin of victory in 2020 and seemingly diminishing Florida's longtime swing-state status.^{[ citation needed ]} Republicans also control all statewide offices, a large majority of the state's U.S. House delegation, both U.S. Senate seats, and supermajorities in both houses of the Florida Legislature.

Eligibility and requirements

Article IV, Section 5(b) of the Florida Constitution states that, for a person to serve as governor, they must: ^[1]

• Be at least thirty years old;
• Be a permanent resident of Florida for at least seven years;
• Not have served as governor for six years or more of the two prior terms.

Republican primary

Candidates

Declared

• Charles Burkett, mayor of Surfside (2006–2010, 2020–2022, 2024–present) ^[2]
• Byron Donalds, U.S. representative for Florida's 19th congressional district (2021–present) ^[3]
• Paul Renner, 103rd speaker of the Florida House of Representatives (2022–2024) from the 19th district (2015–2024) ^[4]

Publicly expressed interest

• Jay Collins, 21st lieutenant governor of Florida (2025–present) ^[5]

Potential

• Wilton Simpson, 13th Florida commissioner of agriculture (2023–present) ^{[6] [7]}

Withdrawn

• Bill Reicherter, real estate agent, candidate for state house in 2024, and candidate for state senate in 2022 ( running for state house in 2025 ) ^[8]

Declined

• Matt Gaetz, former U.S. representative for Florida's 1st congressional district (2017–2024) ^[9]
• Francis Suarez, 43rd mayor of Miami (2017–present) and candidate for president in 2024 ^[10]

Endorsements

Byron Donalds

U.S. Presidents

• Donald Trump, 45th and 47th President of the United States (2017–2021; 2025–present) ^[11]

Executive branch officials

• Scott Bessent, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury (2025–present) ^[12]
• Dan Bongino, Deputy Director of the FBI (2025–present) ^[13]
• Doug Burgum, U.S. Secretary of the Interior (2025–present) ^[12]
• Joe Gebbia, Chief Design Officer of the United States (2025–present) ^[12]
• Jacob Helberg, designate to be Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment ^[12]
• Peter Lamelas, designate to be U.S. Ambassador to Argentina ^[12]
• Kelly Loeffler, Administrator of the Small Business Administration (2025–present) ^[12]
• Dan Newlin, nominee to be U.S. Ambassador to Colombia ^[12]
• John Phelan, U.S. Secretary of the Navy (2025–present) ^[12]
• Andy Puzder, U.S. ambassador to the European Union (2025–present) ^[12]
• David Sacks, co-chair of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (2025–present) ^[12]
• Steve Witkoff, U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East (2025–present) ^[12]

U.S. senators

• Rick Scott, U.S. senator from Florida (2019–present) and former governor of Florida (2011–2019) ^[14]

U.S. representatives

• Aaron Bean, FL-04 (2023–present) ^[15]
• Vern Buchanan, FL-16 (2007–present) ^[16]
• Kat Cammack, FL-03 (2021–present) ^[17]
• Mario Díaz-Balart, FL-26 (2003–present) ^[18]
• Neal Dunn, FL-02 (2017–present) ^[19]
• Tom Emmer, House Majority Whip (2023–present) from MN-06 (2015–present) ^[20]
• Randy Fine, FL-06 (2025–present) ^[21]
• Scott Franklin, FL-18 (2021–present) ^[18]
• Mike Haridopolos, FL-8 (2025–present) ^[22]
• Mike Johnson, 55th Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives (2023–present) from LA-04 (2017–present) ^[23]
• Laurel Lee, FL-15 (2023–present) ^[18]
• Anna Paulina Luna, FL-13 (2023–present) ^[24]
• Brian Mast, FL-21 (2017–present) ^[18]
• Lisa McClain, MI-09 (2021–present) ^[20]
• Jeff Miller, FL-01 (2001–2017) ^[12]
• Cory Mills, FL-07 (2023–present) ^[17]
• John Rutherford, FL-05 (2017–present) ^[18]
• María Elvira Salazar, FL-27 (2021–present) ^[18]
• Steve Scalise, House Majority Leader (2023–present) from LA-01 (2008–present) ^[20]
• Elise Stefanik, NY-21 (2015–present) ^[20]
• Daniel Webster, FL-11 (2011–present) ^[18]

State executive officials

• Carlos Beruff, former chair of the Florida Constitution Revision Commission (2017–2018) ^[12]

State Senators

• Bryan Avila, Member of the Florida Senate from the 39th district ^[25]
• Jonathan Martin, state senator from the 33rd district (2022–present) ^[26]
• Ana Maria Rodriguez, Member of the Florida Senate from the 40th district ^[25]

State Representatives

• Yvette Benarroch, state representative from the 81st district (2024–present) ^[21]
• Berny Jacques, state representative from the 59th district (2022–present) ^[21]
• Lauren Melo, state representative (2020–present) ^[27]
• Toby Overdorf, state representative from the 85th district (2018–present) ^[21]
• Jenna Persons-Mulicka, state representative from the 78th district (2020–president) ^[21]
• Spencer Roach, former state representative (2018–2024) ^[21]

Party officials

• Joe Gruters, chair of the Republican National Committee (2025–present) and state senator from the 22nd district (2018–present) ^[28]
• Lara Trump, former Co-Chair of the Republican National Committee (2024-2025) ^[13]
• Christian Ziegler, Chair of the Florida Republican Party (2023–2024) ^[28]

local officials

• D. C. Reeves, Mayor of Pensacola ^[29]

Sheriffs

• Chad Chronister, Hillsborough County sheriff (2017–present) ^[30]
• Rosie Cordero-Stutz, Miami-Dade County sheriff (2025–present) ^[30]
• T. K. Waters, Duval County sheriff ^[30]

Individuals

• Marc Andreessen, co-founder of Andreessen Horowitz ^[12]
• Brian D. Ballard, founder of Ballard Partners ^[12]
• Erika Donalds, school choice activist (candidate's wife) ^[31]
• Christi Fraga, local politician ^[25]
• Ben Horowitz, co-founder of Andreessen Horowitz ^[12]
• Benny Johnson, political commentator ^[13]
• Jay Kemmerer, owner of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort ^[12]
• Adam Kidan, President of Empire Workforce ^[12]
• Charlie Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA (deceased) ^[32]
• Omeed Malik, banker ^[12]
• Ross Perot Jr., real estate developer ^[12]
• Harry Sargeant III, oil executive ^[12]
• David Steward, founder of World Wide Technology ^[12]
• Donald Trump Jr., businessman and son of President Donald Trump ^[33]
• George Zoley, CEO of GEO Group ^[12]

Organizations

• Club for Growth PAC ^[34]

Ashley Moody (declined)

Individuals

• Ric Flair, former professional wrestler ^[35]

Polling

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size [a]	Margin of error	Byron Donalds	Paul Renner	Undecided
Targoz Market Research [36] [A]	September 16–18, 2025	506 (RV)	–	29%	9%	62%

Hypothetical polling

Jay Collins vs. Byron Donalds vs. Paul Renner

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size [a]	Margin of error	Jay Collins	Byron Donalds	Paul Renner	Undecided
St. Pete Polls [37] [B]	October 13–15, 2025	1,034 (LV)	± 3.0%	4%	39%	3%	54%
				12%	52%	–	36%
The American Promise [38]	September 4–5, 2025	800 (LV)	± 3.5%	2%	40%	2%	54%

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size [a]	Margin of error	Casey DeSantis	Byron Donalds	Matt Gaetz	Ashley Moody	Jeanette Nuñez	Jimmy Patronis	Wilton Simpson	Francis Suarez	Michael Waltz	Other	Undecided
St. Pete Polls [37] [B]	October 13–15, 2025	1,034 (LV)	± 3.0%	21%	47%	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	36%
Targoz Market Research [36] [A]	September 16–18, 2025	510 (RV)	–	26%	23%	–	–	–	–	2%	–	–	9% [b]	39%
University of North Florida [39]	July 14–22, 2025	797 (RV)	± 3.9%	32%	29%	8%	–	–	–	1%	2%	–	10% [c]	18%
St. Pete Polls [40] [41] [B]	July 8–10, 2025	831 (LV)	± 3.4%	27%	35%	–	–	–	–	3%	–	–	2% [d]	32%
Targoz Market Research [42] [43] [A]	May 5–7, 2025	516 (RV)	–	29%	28%	10%	–	7%	–	4%	5%	–	4% [e]	13%
Targoz Market Research [42] [44] [A]	April 15–22, 2025	619 (RV)	–	28%	22%	8%	–	9%	–	4%	7%	–	4% [e]	18%
Fabrizio, Lee & Associates (R) [45]	February 26–27, 2025	600 (LV)	± 5.0%	30%	34%	–	–	–	–	3%	–	–	–	33%
Victory Insights (R) [46]	January 26–27, 2025	850 (LV)	± 3.5%	–	34%	–	–	–	–	5%	–	–	–	61%
				–	31%	–	–	4%	–	3%	1%	–	–	60%
Florida Atlantic University/ Mainstreet Research [47]	June 8–9, 2024	366 (RV)	± 3.3%	43%	19%	13%	14%	–	5%	–	–	–	7% [f]	–
Florida Atlantic University/ Mainstreet Research [48]	April 15–17, 2024	372 (RV)	± 3.3%	38%	–	16%	–	–	–	–	–	–	20% [g]	26%
Victory Insights (R) [49]	April 3–6, 2024	1,200 (LV)	± 2.9%	–	21%	13%	–	–	3%	2%	–	5%	14% [h]	43%
University of North Florida [50]	October 23 – November 4, 2023	788 (LV)	± 3.8%	22%	9%	9%	6%	2%	3%	1%	1%	1%	6% [i]	40%

Democratic primary

Candidates

Declared

• David Jolly, former Republican U.S. representative from Florida's 13th congressional district (2014–2017) ^[51]

Announcement pending

• Jerry Demings, mayor of Orange County (2018–present) and husband of former U.S. representative Val Demings ^{[52] [53]}

Publicly expressed interest

• Al Lawson, former U.S. representative from Florida's 5th congressional district (2017–2023) ^[54]
• Angie Nixon, state representative from the 13th district (2020–present) ^[55]

Potential

• Daniella Levine Cava, mayor of Miami-Dade County (2020–present) ^[56]

Declined

• Nikki Fried, chair of the Florida Democratic Party (2023–present), former Florida Commissioner of Agriculture (2019–2023), and candidate for governor in 2022 ^[6]
• Gwen Graham, former Assistant Secretary of Education (2021–2025), former U.S. representative from Florida's 2nd congressional district (2015–2017), daughter of former governor Bob Graham, and candidate for governor in 2018 (endorsed Jolly) ^[57]
• Shevrin Jones, state senator from the 34th district (2020–present) ^[6]
• Jared Moskowitz, U.S. representative from Florida's 23rd congressional district (2023–present) ^[58] ( running for re-election ) ^[59]

Endorsements

David Jolly

U.S. representatives

• Allen Boyd, FL–2 (1997–2011) ^[60]
• Gwen Graham, FL–2 (2015–2017) ^[57]
• Ron Klein, FL–22 (2007–2011) ^[60]
• Patrick Murphy, FL–18 (2013–2017) ^[60]
• Donna Shalala, FL–27 (2019–2021) and former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (1993–2001) ^[57]
• Larry Smith, FL–16 (1983–1993) ^[61]
• Karen Thurman, FL–5 (1993–2003) ^[57]

Statewide officials

• Betty Castor, former Florida Education Commissioner (1987–1994) ^[60]
• Eric Smith, former Florida Education Commissioner (2007–2011) (Republican) ^[60]

State legislators

• 62 state legislators ^[j]

Local officials

• Angelo Castillo, mayor of Pembroke Pines ^[61]
• Lamar Fisher, former mayor of Broward County (2022–2023) ^[61]
• Nan Rich, former mayor of Broward County (2023–2024) ^[61]
• Dean Trantalis, mayor of Fort Lauderdale ^[61]

Polling

Hypothetical polling

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size [a]	Margin of error	Jason Pizzo	Daniella Levine Cava	Gwen Graham	David Jolly	Lauren Book	Angie Nixon	Shevrin Jones	Fentrice Driskell	Other	Undecided
Targoz Market Research [42] [43] [A]	May 5–7, 2025	396 (RV)	–	–	32%	13%	10%	7%	6%	4%	7%	–	21%
Targoz Market Research [42] [44] [A]	April 15–22, 2025	464 (RV)	–	41%	15%	5%	7%	4%	4%	2%	1%	–	21%

Independent and third-party candidates

Independent candidates

Publicly expressed interest

• Jason Pizzo, former Democratic minority leader of the Florida Senate (2024–2025) from the 37th district (2018–present) ^[62]

Filed paperwork

• Moliere Dimanche, writer ^[63]

Endorsements

Jason Pizzo

Organizations

• No Labels ^[64]

Libertarian Party

Filed paperwork

• Scott Jewett, entrepreneur ^[65]

General election

Predictions

Source	Ranking	As of
The Cook Political Report [66]	Solid R	September 11, 2025
Inside Elections [67]	Solid R	August 28, 2025
Sabato's Crystal Ball [68]	Safe R	September 4, 2025
Race to the WH [69]	Lean R	October 28, 2025

Polling

Byron Donalds vs. David Jolly

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size [a]	Margin of error	Byron Donalds (R)	David Jolly (D)	Other	Undecided
University of North Florida [70]	October 15–25, 2025	728 (LV)	± 4.3%	45%	34%	3% [k]	18%
Targoz Market Research [36] [A]	September 16–18, 2025	1,118 (RV)	± 2.8%	36%	32%	4% [l]	28%
Bendixen & Amandi International (D) [71] [C]	September 7–9, 2025	631 (LV)	± 4.0%	40%	41%	–	19%
AIF Center (R) [72]	August 25–27, 2025	800 (LV)	± 3.5%	49%	41%	–	11%
Victory Insights (R) [73]	June 7–10, 2025	600 (LV)	± 2.8%	37%	31%	–	32%

Paul Renner vs. David Jolly

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size [a]	Margin of error	Paul Renner (R)	David Jolly (D)	Other	Undecided
Targoz Market Research [36] [A]	September 16–18, 2025	1,123 (RV)	± 2.8%	34%	33%	5% [m]	28%
Bendixen & Amandi International (D) [71] [C]	September 7–9, 2025	631 (LV)	± 4.0%	42%	40%	–	18%

Hypothetical polling

Byron Donalds vs. Jerry Demings

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size [a]	Margin of error	Byron Donalds (R)	Jerry Demings (D)	Other	Undecided
University of North Florida [70]	October 15–25, 2025	728 (LV)	± 4.3%	45%	33%	5% [n]	17%

Byron Donalds vs. Daniella Levine Cava vs. Jason Pizzo

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size [a]	Margin of error	Byron Donalds (R)	Daniella Levine Cava (D)	Jason Pizzo (I)	Undecided
Targoz Market Research [42] [43] [A]	May 5–7, 2025	1,200 (RV)	± 2.8%	38%	34%	5%	23%

Casey DeSantis vs. David Jolly

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size [a]	Margin of error	Casey DeSantis (R)	David Jolly (D)	Other	Undecided
University of North Florida [70]	October 15–25, 2025	728 (LV)	± 4.3%	47%	34%	5% [n]	14%

Casey DeSantis vs. Jerry Demings

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size [a]	Margin of error	Casey DeSantis (R)	Jerry Demings (D)	Other	Undecided
University of North Florida [70]	October 15–25, 2025	728 (LV)	± 4.3%	47%	36%	6% [o]	11%

Casey DeSantis vs. Daniella Levine Cava vs. Jason Pizzo

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size [a]	Margin of error	Casey DeSantis (R)	Daniella Levine Cava (D)	Jason Pizzo (I)	Undecided
Targoz Market Research [42] [43] [A]	May 5–7, 2025	1,200 (RV)	± 2.8%	39%	35%	8%	18%

Generic Republican vs. generic Democrat

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size [a]	Margin of error	Generic Republican	Generic Democrat	Undecided
Cygnal (R) [74] [D]	August 25–27, 2025	1,000 (LV)	± 3.1%	51%	38%	11%
Cygnal (R) [75]	October 26–28, 2024	600 (LV)	± 4.0%	48%	41%	11%

See also

• List of governors of Florida
• 2026 United States gubernatorial elections

Notes

1. Key:
   A – all adults
   RV – registered voters
   LV – likely voters
   V – unclear
2. Paul Renner with 7%; Jay Collins with 2%
3. "Someone else" with 7%; "Wouldn't vote" with 2%; "Refused" with 1%
4. Paul Renner with 2%
5. Charles Burkett with 3%; Ashton Hayward with 1%
6. "Someone else" with 7%
7. "Another candidate" with 20%
8. "Someone else" with 14%
9. "Someone else" with 6%
10. Democratic legislators ^{[60] [61]}
    • Michael Abrams, former state representative
    • Dave Aronberg, former state senator
    • Robin Bartleman, former state representative
    • Dick Batchelor, former state representative
    • Annie Betancourt, former state representative
    • Elaine Bloom, former state representative
    • Kevin Chambliss, state representative
    • Scott Clemons, former state representative
    • Dan Daley, state representative
    • Ben Diamond, former state representative
    • Katie Edwards-Walpole, former state representative
    • Steven Effman, former state representative
    • Anne Gannon, former state representative
    • Luis Garcia, former state representative
    • Winston Gardner Jr., former state senator
    • Dan Gelber, former state senator
    • Joe Geller, former state representative
    • Steven Geller, former state senator
    • Joseph Gibbons, former state representative
    • Michael Gottlieb, state representative
    • Daryl Jones, former state senator
    • Tom Keen, former state representative
    • Rick Kriseman, former state representative
    • Mike Langton, former state representative
    • Cindy Lerner, former state representative
    • Fred Lippman, former state representative
    • Janet Long, former state representative
    • Anne Mackenzie, former state representative
    • Robert McKnight, former state senator
    • Amy Mercado, former state representative
    • Les Miller, former state senator
    • Jon Mills, former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives
    • Steve Perman, former state representative
    • Frank Peterman, former state representative
    • Tina Polsky, state senator
    • Ricardo Rangel, former state representative
    • Alzo Reddick, former state representative
    • Robert Reynolds, former state representative
    • Nan Rich, former state senator
    • Mitch Rosenwald, state representative
    • Tom Rossin, former state senator
    • Tim Ryan, former state representative
    • Elaine Schwartz, former state representative
    • Ron Silver, former state senator
    • Rod Smith, former state senator
    • Eleanor Sobel, former state senator
    • Richard Stark, former state representative
    • George Stuart, former state senator
    • Marjorie Turnbull, former state representative
    • Peter Weinstein, former state senator
    • Matt Willhite, former state repreentative
    • Carl Zimmermann, former state representative
    Republican legislators ^[60]
    • Nancy Argenziano, former Republican state senator
    • Paula Dockery, former Republican state senator
    • Juan-Carlos Planas, former Republican state representative
11. "Someone else", "Wouldn't vote", and "Refusal" with 1%
12. Jason Pizzo (I) with 4%
13. Jason Pizzo (I) with 5%
14. "Someone else" and "Wouldn't vote" with 2%; "Refusal" with 1%
15. "Someone else", "Wouldn't vote", and "Refusal" with 2%

Partisan clients

1. Poll sponsored by the James Madison Institute, a conservative think tank
2. Poll sponsored by Florida Politics
3. Poll sponsored by Jolly's campaign
4. Poll sponsored by Conservatives for Clean Energy

References

1. "Article IV, Florida Constitution". Ballotpedia . Retrieved May 13, 2023.
2. Scheckner, Jesse (March 31, 2025). "Charles Burkett, Surfside's 4-term Mayor, says he's running for Governor". Florida Politics . Retrieved March 31, 2025.
3. Leonard, Kimberly; Matat, Stephany (February 25, 2025). "Rep. Byron Donalds, backed by Trump, says he's running for Florida governor". Associated Press . Retrieved February 25, 2025.
4. Gancarski, A.G. (September 3, 2025). "Paul Renner, former Florida House speaker, announces run for Governor". Florida Politics . Retrieved September 3, 2025.
5. Gancarski, A.G. (May 29, 2025). "'Incredible': Jay Collins addresses potential 2026 run for Governor". Florida Politics . Retrieved May 30, 2025.
6. Wilson, Kirby (June 23, 2025). "Who's running for Florida governor in 2026? We check in on the race" . Tampa Bay Times. Archived from the original on June 24, 2025. Retrieved June 25, 2025.
7. Manjares, Javier (July 1, 2025). "Wilton Simpson Still Considering a run for Governor in 2026". The Floridian. Retrieved July 6, 2025.
8. Scheckner, Jesse (August 4, 2025). "4 people have filed for a Special Election to replace Joe Casello in HD 90. Not all are serious candidates". Florida Politics . Retrieved August 4, 2025.
9. Fineout, Gary; Leonard, Kimberly (July 11, 2025). "He was DeSantis' 'bulldog.' Will Trump help Florida's attorney general stick around?". Politico . Retrieved July 14, 2025.
10. Riski, Tess (September 8, 2025). "Miami's outgoing mayor celebrates G20 win as he eyes his next career move". Miami Herald. Archived from the original on September 10, 2025. Retrieved September 10, 2025.
11. Dixon, Matt (February 20, 2025). "Trump backs Rep. Byron Donalds in his likely run for Florida governor in 2026". NBC News . Retrieved February 20, 2025.
12. Wilson, Kirby (February 17, 2025). "Does Donald Trump have a favorite Republican in the 2026 governor's race?". Tampa Bay Times . Retrieved March 18, 2025.
13. Scheckner, Jesse (March 17, 2025). "'A true patriot': Byron Donalds adds endorsement from Miami Young Republicans". Florida Politics . Retrieved February 20, 2025.
14. Gancarski, A.G. (March 17, 2025). "Rick Scott siding with Byron Donalds over Casey DeSantis for Florida Governor". Florida Politics . Retrieved March 18, 2025.
15. Gancarski, A.G. (September 2, 2025). "Aaron Bean backs Byron Donalds for Governor". Florida Politics . Retrieved September 2, 2025.
16. Leonard, Kimberly (March 18, 2025). "Trump-backed Byron Donalds gets first congressional endorsement for Florida governor". Politico . Retrieved March 18, 2025.
17. Leonard, Kimberly; Domínguez, Isa (March 28, 2025). "Parkland bill faces the state Senate — again". Politico . Retrieved March 28, 2025.
18. Ogles, Jacob (April 9, 2025). "Seven more Florida congressional colleagues endorse Byron Donalds for Governor". Florida Politics . Retrieved April 9, 2025.
19. Ogles, Jacob (October 13, 2025). "Neal Dunn becomes latest in Florida congressional delegation to endorse Byron Donalds". Florida Politics . Retrieved October 13, 2025.
20. Wilson, Drew (April 29, 2025). "Top congressional Republicans line up behind Byron Donalds". Florida Politics . Retrieved April 29, 2025.
21. Ogles, Jacob (February 26, 2025). "Florida leaders line up to endorse Byron Donalds on Day 1". Florida Politics . Retrieved February 26, 2025.
22. Jo Cooper, Amber (August 21, 2025). "U.S. Rep. Haridopolos endorses Rep. Donalds' bid for Florida governor". The Floridian. Retrieved August 21, 2025.
23. Leonard, Kimberly; Domínguez, Isa (April 3, 2025). "Stephanie Murphy talks next moves — for her and for Democrats". Politico . Retrieved April 3, 2025.
24. Manjarres, Javier (August 11, 2025). "Luna Endorses Donalds' 'America First' Gubernatorial Campaign". The Floridian. Retrieved August 11, 2025.
25. "Byron Donalds Holds Miami Meet and Greet, Talks about Feud Between DeSantis and Legislature, Insurance, and Squaring off Against Pizzo and Jolly". The Floridian. May 13, 2025. Retrieved October 14, 2025.
26. "LIVE: Byron Donalds Florida governor run kick off". FOX 35 Orlando . March 28, 2025. Retrieved March 30, 2025.
27. Ogles, Jacob (March 29, 2025). "'Bold and clear': Byron Donalds kicks off campaign for Governor from Bonita Springs". Florida Politics . Retrieved March 28, 2025.
28. Scheckner, Jesse (March 10, 2025). "Poll: Donald Trump's endorsement gives Byron Donalds double-digit lead in GOP Primary for Governor". Florida Politics . Retrieved March 13, 2025.
29. Outzen, Rick (June 3, 2025). "Breaking: Pensacola mayor endorses Byron Donalds for governor". Rick's Blog. Retrieved October 14, 2025.
30. Ogles, Jacob (September 29, 2025). "'Making Florida great': 15 Sheriffs endorse Byron Donalds for Governor". Florida Politics . Retrieved September 30, 2025.
31. Gancarski, A.G. (March 27, 2025). "Erika Donalds says Casey DeSantis 'teased a run' for Governor, but Byron Donalds can better deal with Florida issues". Florida Politics . Retrieved March 27, 2025.
32. Ogles, Jacob (March 13, 2025). "Turning Point USA's Charlie Kirk backs Byron Donalds' bid for Governor". Florida Politics . Retrieved March 13, 2025.
33. Caputo, Marc (March 12, 2025). "Scoop: Trump Jr. backs Donalds for Fla. governor in MAGA squeeze play". Axios . Retrieved March 12, 2025.
34. Mitola, Will (March 11, 2025). "CfG PAC Endorses Rep. Byron Donalds in FL-GOV Race". Club for Growth . Retrieved March 11, 2025.
35. Gancarski, A.G. (May 9, 2024). "After Gainesville pizza problem, Ric Flair endorses Ashley Moody for Governor". Florida Politics . Retrieved May 9, 2024.
36. "Marginals" (PDF). James Madison Institute . September 19, 2025. Retrieved September 29, 2025.
37. Florell, Matt (October 16, 2025). "Florida Statewide survey conducted for Floridapolitics.com". St. Pete Polls. Retrieved October 16, 2025.
38. Schnecker, Jesse (September 8, 2025). "Poll: Byron Donalds' already crushing Primary lead is growing". Florida Politics . Retrieved September 8, 2025.
39. "Casey DeSantis ahead by a hair in Florida Republican primary poll" (PDF). University of North Florida . July 24, 2025. Retrieved July 24, 2025.
40. Perry, Mitch (July 14, 2025). "Byron Donalds continues to lead all Florida Republicans in 2026 gubernatorial poll". Florida Phoenix . Retrieved July 14, 2025.
41. "Florida Statewide survey conducted for FloridaPolitics.com" (PDF). St. Pete Polls. July 10, 2025. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
42. "JMI Polls May 2025". James Madison Institute . May 9, 2025. Retrieved May 9, 2025.
43. "JMI May 2025 Poll Marginals – Registered Voters" (PDF). James Madison Institute . May 9, 2025. Retrieved May 9, 2025.
44. "JMI April 2025 Poll Marginals – Registered Voters" (PDF). James Madison Institute . May 9, 2025. Retrieved May 9, 2025.
45. Scheckner, Jesse (March 10, 2025). "Poll: Donald Trump's endorsement gives Byron Donalds double-digit lead in GOP Primary for Governor". Florida Politics . Retrieved April 24, 2025.
46. "Byron Donalds Dominates Republican Primary Field for Governor of Florida" (PDF). Victory Insights. January 29, 2025. Retrieved April 24, 2025.
47. "Mainstreet Research Survey - Florida" (PDF). FAU Polling. June 12, 2024. Retrieved April 24, 2025.
48. "Mainstreet Research Survey - Florida" (PDF). FAU Polling. April 18, 2024. Retrieved April 24, 2025.
49. "FLORIDA POLL: Byron Donalds Leads First Poll of 2026 GOP Race for Governor" (PDF). Victory Insights. April 12, 2024. Retrieved April 24, 2025.
50. "UNF Poll: Trump Pulls Ahead in Florida Republican Presidential Primary" (PDF). University of North Florida. November 7, 2023. Retrieved April 24, 2025.
51. Leonard, Kimberly (June 5, 2025). "Well-known Trump critic David Jolly enters race for Florida governor". Politico . Retrieved June 5, 2025.
52. Leonard, Kimberly; Fineout, Gary (October 6, 2025). "Uthmeier addresses firearm policy". Politico. Retrieved October 9, 2025.
53. Leonard, Kimberly (October 7, 2025). "Inside Demings' timeline and thinking". Politico. Retrieved October 9, 2025.
54. Rosica, Jim (August 2, 2025). "Former US Rep. Al Lawson of Tallahassee eyes Florida governor race in 2026". Tallahassee Democrat . Retrieved August 2, 2025.
55. Gancarski, A.G. (July 31, 2025). "Angie Nixon considers Senate run, along with other possibilities". Florida Politics . Retrieved August 1, 2025.
56. Bustos, Sergio (May 12, 2025). "Democratic legislator Jason Pizzo says he plans to run for governor in 2026". WLRN-FM . Retrieved July 6, 2025.
57. Gancarski, A.G. (July 9, 2025). "David Jolly rolls out endorsements from 'Democratic powerhouses' Gwen Graham, Donna Shalala, Karen Thurman". Florida Politics . Retrieved July 9, 2025.
58. Solender, Andrew (November 27, 2024). "Scoop: A huge wave of House members is eyeing runs for other offices in 2026". Axios . Retrieved November 27, 2024.
59. Adragna, Anthony (December 17, 2024). "Moskowitz brushes aside FEMA reports". Politico . Retrieved December 17, 2024. 'I am staying in Congress and running for re-election,' Moskowitz (D-Fla.) said
60. Taylor, Janelle (August 5, 2025). "David Jolly rolls out trove of endorsements from 60 current and former Democratic elected officials". Florida Politics . Retrieved August 11, 2025.
61. Scheckner, Jesse (September 25, 2025). "40 current, former Broward leaders back David Jolly for Governor, citing cross-aisle appeal". Florida Politics . Retrieved September 26, 2025.
62. Leonard, Kimberly (October 8, 2025). "Florida Senate Dems' opening property insurance bids". Politico . Retrieved October 9, 2025.
63. "Candidate Tracking System". Florida Division of Elections. June 26, 2024. Retrieved June 26, 2024.
64. "Is it time to break the two-party doom loop?". No Labels . June 7, 2025. Retrieved August 2, 2025.
65. Shaw, Derrick (June 5, 2025). "22 candidates have officially filed, entering the 2026 race for Florida governor". WBBH-TV .
66. "2026 CPR Governor Race ratings". Cook Political Report. Retrieved January 23, 2025.
67. "Gubernatorial Ratings". Inside Elections . Retrieved February 7, 2025.
68. "2026 Governor". Sabato's Crystal Ball. Retrieved May 1, 2025.
69. "Governor Forecast - 2026-2026". Race to the WH. Retrieved June 30, 2025.
70. "Potential Republicans lead Democrats in Florida midterm matchups" (PDF). University of North Florida . October 28, 2025. Retrieved October 28, 2025.
71. Taylor, Janelle (September 10, 2025). "Poll: David Jolly in dead heat with Byron Donalds, Paul Renner". Florida Politics . Retrieved September 11, 2025.
72. Ogles, Jacob (September 11, 2025). "New poll shows Byron Donalds with 8-point edge on David Jolly". Florida Politics . Retrieved September 11, 2025.
73. Galbraith, Ben (June 11, 2025). "POLLING MEMO: BYRON DONALDS LEADS DAVID JOLLY FOR GOVERNOR OF FLORIDA" (PDF). Victory Insights. Retrieved June 11, 2025.
74. "Survey of Likely 2026 General Election Voters – Florida Stateweide" (PDF). Cygnal. September 4, 2025. Retrieved September 19, 2025.
75. "Survey of Likely General Election Voters – Florida Stateweide" (PDF). Cygnal. October 30, 2024. Retrieved April 24, 2025.

External links

Official campaign websites

• Moliere Dimanche (I) for Governor
• Byron Donalds (R) for Governor
• Scott Jewett (L) for Governor
• David Jolly (D) for Governor
• Paul Renner (R) for Governor