Florida is bracing for its first gubernatorial election in eight years, with over two dozen contenders from both parties vying to replace Ron DeSantis.
Current Governor DeSantis is unable to seek re-election due to constitutional term limits, remaining in office until January 2027.
The Republican primary for Florida governor is scheduled for August 18.
Prominent Candidates in the Race
Jay Collins, appointed as lieutenant governor by DeSantis in 2025, is a former Army Green Beret with 23 years of service, having been deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, and South America. Wounded in combat, he was awarded the Purple Heart.
Collins announced his candidacy in January 2026 on social media, emphasizing leadership inspired by his military background. He champions values like discipline, public service, and a commitment to conservative principles. "I am running for governor because leadership is forged under pressure, not with catchy slogans," he stated.
Byron Donalds, the main competitor to Collins, is a federal representative for District 19 since 2021 and has the explicit backing of former President Donald Trump.
By May, polls indicated Donalds had support ranging between 44% and 54% among likely Republican voters, having raised $22.2 million in the first quarter of the year—a record for a non-incumbent gubernatorial candidate in Florida. He remains committed to Trump's "Make America Great Again" agenda and has been vocally critical of the Cuban regime.
Additional Noteworthy Contenders
Paul Renner, who served as the speaker of the Florida House of Representatives from 2022 to 2024, is a Navy veteran with service in Afghanistan and a former assistant state attorney. He confirmed his candidacy in September 2025. "As a veteran of two wars, a state attorney, and a legislator, I've fought and won tough battles for our conservative values," he declares on his campaign site.
James Fishback, a former hedge fund analyst and newcomer to politics, is also running for the nomination, though he's faced multiple controversies, including a lawsuit from Collins seeking to remove him from the ballot for allegedly not meeting the seven-year residency requirement in Florida. "I'm fighting to make life in Florida a little easier and much more affordable," his campaign website claims.
Rachel Rodriguez is the sole woman in the race, an attorney, and the daughter of a Cuban mother who arrived in the U.S. in 1962. She identifies as a "working mother" and a "business builder." "I'm running because leaders who have reached the heights of governmental power have forgotten whom they work for... Florida families deserve leaders who lead like Jesus did: with sacrifice and empathy," her website declares.
Caneste Succe, born in Haiti and a former aircraft mechanic at the Palm Beach International Airport, has also worked for the Palm Beach Department of Corrections and the Palm Beach Supervisor of Elections office. "With your support, we will restore agriculture, reform prisons, strengthen families, and build a Florida where opportunity is not a privilege for the few but a promise for all," his campaign statement reads.
Bobby Williams, entrepreneur and founder of the nonprofit Freedom Tour, which focuses on disaster relief, states his candidacy is driven by a desire to protect families and ensure rapid assistance during natural disasters. "Florida needs a governor who understands the struggles of the working class from firsthand experience," he proclaims on his website.
James W. Shaw, a transportation entrepreneur, real estate investor, and former owner and operator of three Auntie Anne's pretzel franchises, emphasizes his large family. "My name is James W. Shaw, married for 44 years, with 8 children and 27 grandchildren. I have much to protect! I'm on your side," his campaign asserts.
Jim Holcomb, a retired firefighter who served in Orlando for nearly 30 years and also worked as a teacher, emphasizes his hands-on experience. "I have a long history of building, teaching, and fixing things under pressure. As governor, I will work to repair what's broken in Florida," he promises.
Daniel Nokovich describes himself as "a faith-driven Republican rooted in the Constitution," asserting that he is "not controlled by party machinery or special interests: only by his faith, his family, and his commitment to the people of Florida."
Arthur Joseph McCaffrey, a retired computer repair business owner, according to the Tampa Bay Times, does not have a campaign website.
The general election debates are set to take place on October 15 at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton.
Florida Gubernatorial Race: Key Questions Answered
When will the Republican primary for the Florida governor be held?
The Republican primary for Florida governor is scheduled for August 18.
Why can't Ron DeSantis run for re-election as governor?
Ron DeSantis is unable to run for re-election due to constitutional term limits.