Florida Democrats gathered in downtown Miami on Saturday, September 19, with renewed optimism about their prospects of flipping the Sunshine State blue for the first time in decades. The event, held at the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science during the Miami-Dade Democratic Party’s 2026 Blue Gala, featured statewide candidates addressing a shifting political landscape just 44 days before the midterm elections on November 3. Recent poll results indicate close races in key contests for the governor’s mansion, congressional seats, and the U.S. Senate, fueled by growing voter frustration with rising prices and strict immigration enforcement.
Tight Polls Signal Competitive Race
A September St. Pete Polls survey of 913 likely voters shows that races for governor, U.S. Senate, and attorney general are nearly tied. Democratic gubernatorial nominee David Jolly is currently tied with Republican Rep. Byron Donalds in the race to replace term-limited Gov. Ron DeSantis. Additionally, Democrat Jose Javier Rodriguez has a chance to defeat Attorney General James Uthmeier. Mail-in ballots have already begun going out in some parts of the state and are expected to reach Miami-Dade mailboxes by next weekend.
The "Angie Nixon Factor"
U.S. Senate candidate Angie Nixon, who defeated Alex Vidman for the nomination, marked her first appearance on the campaign trail alongside Jolly. A progressive nominee associated with the Democratic Socialists of America, Nixon has faced friction within party ranks and attacks from Republican opponents. However, polls show she is nearly tied with incumbent Ashley Moody. Political science professor Daniel Smith noted that Nixon’s policies are galvanizing voters who typically stay off the sidelines, more context in Florida Gov Race.
Focus on Economic Needs
Nixon emphasized her platform as a party of working people fighting for healthcare rights and higher wages, stating she aims to hold former President Donald Trump accountable. Jolly rejected socialism but acknowledged their shared goal of addressing economic needs in housing and education. Meanwhile, Democrats are targeting Hispanic voters frustrated with immigration crackdowns. In Florida’s 27th Congressional District, Democrat Eliott Rodriguez faces Rep. Maria Salazar in a race where recent polling shows Salazar leading by just one percentage point.
