# 2026 Florida Gubernatorial Race: Key Candidates to Watch
*A look at Republican frontrunner Byron Donalds, Lt. Gov. Jay Collins and other contenders ahead of the Aug 18 primary.*

- Medio: Orlando Ledger News (https://orlandoledgernews.com)
- URL: https://orlandoledgernews.com/noticia/2026-florida-gubernatorial-race-key-candidates-to-watch
- Sección: Politics
- Autor: Orlando Ledger News Staff
- Publicado: 2026-08-10T07:04:30.443Z
> U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds leads Republican field; former Congressman David Jolly likely Democratic nominee. Primary Aug 18, general Nov 3 in Florida's historic governor race.

## Las claves

- The 2026 Florida gubernatorial race is set for a competitive contest to replace Governor Ron DeSantis after he cannot seek re-election.
- Election logistics specify an August primary and a November general election in a state with no Democratic governor since 1994.
- Candidates like Byron Donalds and Jay Collins are positioning themselves as frontrunners while the field includes twenty-nine qualified contenders.

The 2026 Florida gubernatorial election is set for November 3, following a critical primary on August 18. Incumbent Governor Ron DeSantis cannot seek re-election to a third consecutive term, opening the door for a competitive race to replace him. The field includes 29 qualified candidates: 11 Republicans, six Democrats, six unaffiliated, five write-ins, and one Libertarian Party member.

### Republican Frontrunner Byron Donalds

U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds is currently the frontrunner for the Republican nomination representing Florida’s 19th district. At age 47, Donalds has raised approximately $90 million for his campaign. His platform focuses on education reform through individualized plans for students in sixth grade and beyond.

On economic issues, Donalds supports eliminating property taxes entirely while addressing revenue shortfalls for smaller counties. He also advocates for stabilizing the home insurance market via a consumer "scorecard." Additionally, he backs Everglades restoration programs to improve water quality and access.

### Lt. Gov. Jay Collins

Florida Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins is another key Republican contender. A former U.S. Army Green Beret medic who served in Afghanistan and Iraq, Collins brings a military background to the race. He has raised about $6 million for his campaign.

Collins favors expanding school choice and increasing parental empowerment in education decisions. On property taxes, he supports constitutional amendments to cut homesteaded property taxes while ensuring funding for first responders and infrastructure. His environmental platform includes protecting Florida beaches and supporting the Florida Wildlife Corridor, a story we covered in [Byron Donalds Leads GOP Primary Polling Ahead of Florida Vote](/noticia/byron-donalds-leads-gop-primary-polling-ahead-of-florida-vote).

### The Democratic Field

Former Congressman David Jolly, who switched from Republican to Democrat status, is expected to be the likely Democratic nominee. This race marks a significant shift in state politics, as Florida has not elected a Democratic governor since 1994 when Lawton Chiles left office.

#### Election Logistics

Florida operates under a closed primary system. Only registered Republicans or Democrats may vote for their party's candidates during the August 18 primary. Voters with no party affiliation, known as independents, are excluded from voting in these preliminary elections. The general election on November 3 will determine who replaces DeSantis.
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Fuente original: https://orlandoledgernews.com/noticia/2026-florida-gubernatorial-race-key-candidates-to-watch