Jonathan Roman | Staff Writer
Florida holds primary elections for Governor, US Senate, and state local offices ahead of the 2026 midterm general elections.
Republican Primary
The Associated Press projected Congressman Byron Donalds will win the Republican primary election. Donalds will become the first black nominee for governor in Florida’s Republican Party. Donalds was President Donald Trump’s choice for governor, making Donalds the favorite ahead of the primary election.
Trump reinstated his support for Donald’s posting on TruthSocial “Republican nominee for Governor of Florida Byron Donalds wins!, endorsed by President Trump.”
At his election party Donalds promised that if elected Governor in November, he plans to continue the Department of Government Efficiency (DODGE) in Florida, saying: “We are going to DOGE all local governments and all state agencies,” Donalds said.
“There will be no sacred cows.” Donalds added, “Taxpayers deserve to know their hard-earned dollars are being spent with transparency and hard-earned integrity,”
Donalds also began labeling his opponent David Jolly as “liberal” saying: “Liberal David
Jolly is the change Florida cannot afford.”
Democratic Primary
The Associated Press predicted ex-Republican David Jolly will win the primary, advancing to the general election in November.
Jolly took the stage, addressing his history as a Republican saying, “To my Democratic friends, thank you for welcoming me into the party,” he said. “As an old-school Republican, I talk about ending the culture wars not to celebrate some progressive platform, but because I still believe in the old-school Republican, libertarian policy that government should simply stay out of your life.”
US Senate
Incumbent Senator Ashley Moody will face democratic nominee Angie Nixon in November. Moody was appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis following Marco Rubio’s appointment as Secretary of State.
President Trump, who endorsed Senator Moody ahead of the election, also posted on TruthSocial his support for the Senator.
Angie Nixon, a democratic Socialist, won against Alex Vindman who raised more for his campaign. Nixon said to her supporters last night, “We showed the world what organized people can accomplish, and we should show the world that the people of Florida are all about Medicare for All. Universal Child Care. Real, affordable housing. Fully funded public education. And an end to senseless wars.”
Panther Now spoke with Republican and Democratic voters about the results of last night’s election.
Alexandria Gopee, President of FIU College Democrats said to Panther Now when asked about David Jolly’s chance of winning the November election. “I do think Jolly has a fair chance. The patterns of failure from our federal and state administrations has prepared people for abrupt changes. We’re all hoping that people have realized that enough is enough, but we’re still in a predominantly red state, so no one should get comfortable yet. We’ve seen historic democratic elections in our city, our state could be next.”
When asked about Donald’s victory tonight, Gopee said “I wasn’t shocked about Donald’s victory, but I’m trying to give that side of things little attention. I think his Trump endorsement was huge for his campaign, but I also think him running as a Republican person of color born to immigrant parents is the scapegoat the right is planning to abuse,” She added “Regardless, I rather prioritize the advancement of the democratic party.”
Panther Now also spoke with Sam Fernanadez Secretary of FIU College Republicans. Fernandez, reacted to Donald’s victory saying “The biggest reason Byron won was because of his name recognition amongst Republicans.” Fernandez added “The victory was a victory for the party and its current policy goals.”
Panther Now asked Fernandez about AI Data Centers which had emerged as a major topic in the race. “I am not concerned about data centers. We are living through the next industrial revolution. No point in applying the old world’s paradigm to the new. We have only scratched the surface with Artificial Intelligence and its potential issues. My only hope is that the candidates chosen will facilitate this new world.”
Fernandez said about David Jolly’s chances of winning in November “Totally, he does have a chance. Slim, but a chance nonetheless.
General Election
Byron Donalds and David Jolly will advance to the general election, on November 3rd. Setting up the next 76 days of campaigning.
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