Who Is Running for Florida Governor
Republican Byron Donalds and Democrat David Jolly are running for Florida governor on November 3, 2026. Governor Ron DeSantis is term-limited, so the seat is open. Each nominee runs on a joint ticket with a lieutenant governor candidate, as the state constitution requires (Ballotpedia; Florida Constitution, Art. IV, sec. 5).
Key facts
- The general election is November 3, 2026, with polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Ballotpedia).
- Byron Donalds won the Republican primary with 47.9% on August 18, 2026.
- David Jolly won the Democratic primary with 61%.
- The winner takes office January 5, 2027 (Florida Constitution).
Candidates for Florida governor on the November 3, 2026 ballot
Source: Ballotpedia, Florida gubernatorial election, 2026, as of 2026-10-14. 2 write-in candidates are not listed.
Florida Governor Primary Results
Byron Donalds won the Republican primary with 47.9% in a field of 11. Jay Collins finished second, with 25.1%. About 436,894 more votes were cast in the Republican primary than in the Democratic one. Florida’s primaries are closed, so only registered party members vote in each (our primary elections guide).
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Byron Donalds | 47.9% |
| Jay Collins | 25.1% |
| James Fishback | 10.4% |
| Paul Renner | 8.5% |
| Bobby Williams Jr. | 4.1% |
Source: Ballotpedia. Top five of 11 candidates; 1,662,144 votes in all.
David Jolly won the Democratic primary with 61%, ahead of Dayna Foster.
Democratic primary for Florida governor, August 18, 2026
Source: Ballotpedia; 1,225,250 votes in all
Why DeSantis Cannot Run
The Florida Constitution bars a governor who has served more than six years in two consecutive terms from being elected to the next term (Art. IV, sec. 5(b)). DeSantis won in 2018 over Andrew Gillum, 49.6% to 49.2%, and in 2022 over Charlie Crist, 59% to 40% (Ballotpedia).
- 0.3999999999999986 pts
- DeSantis's margin in 2018
- 19 pts
- his margin in 2022
- 1999
- the year Florida's last Democratic governor left office
What the Florida Governor Can Do
Florida’s governor runs the executive branch but shares key powers with an elected Cabinet. The attorney general, chief financial officer and agriculture commissioner sit with the governor on many decisions, and the governor’s side wins a tie (Art. IV, sec. 4).
Powers of the Florida governor
Source: Florida Constitution, Articles III and IV
The line-item veto shapes the state budget. The governor can strike single spending items from the budget without vetoing the whole bill, and a veto stands unless both chambers re-pass the item by a two-thirds vote (Art. III, sec. 8).
How to Vote for Governor
Florida's 2026 governor election, step by step
- June 12, 2026 Candidates filed The filing deadline for governor passed on June 12, 2026.
- August 18, 2026 Party primaries Byron Donalds and David Jolly won their closed primaries.
- November 3, 2026 General election Polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.. Check your registration and polling place with your county supervisor of elections.
- January 5, 2027 New governor takes office The four-year term begins.
Our 2026 governor races guide covers all 36 races, and our midterm elections explainer covers the rest of the November 3 ballot.
Florida Governor Questions
Who are the 2026 candidates for governor of Florida?
Republican Byron Donalds and Democrat David Jolly are the major-party nominees. Libertarian Scott Jewett and 5 candidates with no party affiliation are also on the November 3, 2026 ballot.
Can DeSantis run for governor again?
No. The Florida Constitution bars anyone who has served more than six years in two consecutive terms from being elected to the next term. Ron DeSantis was elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2022.
Who won the Florida governor primaries?
On August 18, 2026, Byron Donalds won the Republican primary with 47.9% of the vote, ahead of Jay Collins. David Jolly won the Democratic primary with 61%, ahead of Dayna Foster.
When does the new Florida governor take office?
On January 5, 2027. The Florida Constitution starts the four-year term on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in January after the election.
When was the last Democratic governor of Florida?
Kenneth H. MacKay, who left office in 1999, according to Ballotpedia.
What You Can Do
- Check your registration and polling place with your county supervisor of elections before November 3.
- Read both nominees’ platforms on their campaign sites before you decide.
- Look up the whole ballot. Florida elects its Cabinet on the same ballot: attorney general, chief financial officer and agriculture commissioner.
- Compare the issues on the line in Florida: the minimum wage, abortion laws and marijuana laws.