Florida voters cast ballots on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, determining the candidates who will compete in November’s general elections. The primary election featured high-profile statewide races and significant local shifts in Orange County government leadership. Polls were open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with candidates making appearances at polling locations across Central Florida, including Windermere and Orlando.
Gubernatorial Race Sets Up Fall Campaign
U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds has secured the Republican nomination for governor, setting up a fall campaign to replace outgoing Gov. Ron DeSantis. On the Democratic side, former Rep. David Jolly picked up the party’s nod after switching parties last year. The contest between Donalds and Jolly will define Florida's political landscape leading into November.
Orange County School Board Leadership Changes
In Orange County, Angie Gallo won election as chair of the Orange County School Board, helping to lead one of the largest school districts in the country. The incumbent District 1 member secured a comfortable 59% to 41% margin over opponent Alicia Farrant. Voters also selected two new board members endorsed by local Democrats, while a third seat heads to a November runoff.
Local Races and Runoffs
The primary resulted in several runoffs for Orange County Commission seats in districts 2, 6, 7, and 8. Incumbent District 6 Commissioner Mike Scott fell just short of avoiding a runoff with approximately 49% of the vote. In other local races, Roberta Walton Johnson defeated Rick Singh to replace outgoing Clerk of Court Tiffany Moore Russell.
Statewide Senate and House Updates
Angie Nixon won the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, defeating Alex Vindman 55-45% to face Republican incumbent Ashley Moody in November. In State House District 47, Democrat Anthony Nieves was elected after Republican incumbent Paula Stark failed to qualify due to missing paperwork.
