This Tuesday, August 18, marks the primary elections in Florida, where a diverse group of candidates from both political parties will vie for the opportunity to succeed Ron DeSantis as governor.
DeSantis, the current Republican leader in office since January 2019, is ineligible to run for a third consecutive term due to state constitutional limits. Therefore, in November, Florida voters will head to the polls to elect a new governor.
According to a report by Univision, the race for the two gubernatorial nominations has captured much of the electoral spotlight in these primaries. The Republican field boasts 12 qualified candidates, with four emerging as front-runners.
Republican Contenders and Their Campaigns
Leading the Republican pack is Congressman Byron Donalds, who has gained significant momentum with the explicit endorsement of former President Donald Trump. Polls, such as the one published by the Tampa Bay Times on August 11, show him with a commanding 40-point lead over the competition.
The James Madison Institute poll places Donalds at 49% support among Republicans, followed by Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins at 18%, former State House Leader Paul Renner at 8%, and entrepreneur James Fishback at 4%.
Collins, a decorated Special Forces veteran awarded the Purple Heart, launched his campaign in January with the slogan, "I am running for governor because leadership is forged under pressure, not with catchy phrases."
Renner, who is a former deputy prosecutor and a Navy veteran with service in Afghanistan, announced his candidacy in September 2025. Fishback faced a legal challenge from Collins, questioning his seven-year residency eligibility in Florida, but a judge allowed him to remain on the ballot.
Among the Republican candidates is Rachel Rodriguez, the only woman in the race. An attorney and daughter of a Cuban mother who emigrated to the U.S. in 1962, she registered as a candidate in January, focusing on family values and public service.
Democratic Hopefuls and Their Strategies
On the Democratic side, former Congressman David Jolly is currently the leading contender. He has teamed up with Gwen Graham, an ex-federal legislator and daughter of former governor Bob Graham, as his running mate for lieutenant governor.
Jolly, who switched from the Republican party, announced his candidacy in June 2025, presenting a moderate profile that Democrats hope will appeal to independent voters and dissatisfied Republicans.
The Democratic race saw a notable change when Jerry Demings, Orange County mayor, withdrew in June following a prostate cancer diagnosis.
Other Democratic candidates with lesser chances include Dayna Marie Foster, a math teacher focused on education issues; Evelyn Castillo-Bach, a CEO advocating for criminal justice reform; and Thomas Eloy Fernández, a 20-year Air Force veteran, healthcare professional, and community leader.
Additionally, Haitian-American lawyer Dotie Joseph, a state representative since 2018, and Stephann Norman from Tampa, who aims to "revitalize education" and address affordable housing and healthcare for all, are also in the running.
Significance for Cuban-American Voters
These elections hold particular importance for Florida's Cuban-American community. Donalds, the leading Republican candidate, has actively sought their support by taking a hardline stance against the Havana regime, labeling it a "brutal and murderous communist dictatorship." If elected governor in November, he would become the first Black Republican governor in the state's history.
The general election debates between the gubernatorial candidates are scheduled for October 15 at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton.
Key Questions About Florida's Gubernatorial Race
Who is the leading Republican candidate in the Florida gubernatorial race?
Byron Donalds is the leading Republican candidate, with strong support and endorsement from former President Donald Trump.
What challenges are the Democratic candidates facing in the Florida governor race?
Democratic candidates face the challenge of uniting various voter bases, including independents and disillusioned Republicans, especially after the withdrawal of former contender Jerry Demings.