Florida primaries set to shape governor, Senate and congressional races
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Florida voters will choose party nominees in primaries that include a crowded Republican gubernatorial field, a Senate seat contest, and several high-profile congressional races, amid new congressional maps drawn by the state legislature.
Florida voters will head to the polls on Tuesday to select party nominees for key state and federal contests ahead of the November elections. The primaries are the first to use congressional districts redrawn by the Republican-controlled legislature earlier this year.
In the Republican governor's race, Congressman Byron Donalds leads in recent polls and has received an endorsement from President Donald Trump. Other candidates include Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins, former State House Speaker Paul Renner and businessman James Fishback, who has faced accusations of racist remarks. Governor Ron DeSantis has not endorsed any contender.
Former Congressman David Jolly, now running as a Democrat, is expected to win the Democratic gubernatorial primary, positioning himself as a moderate alternative.
In a congressional contest, Rep. Randy Fine, a Trump ally known for anti-Muslim statements, faces a primary challenge from internet personality Daniel Bilzerian, who has circulated an AI-generated video containing antisemitic content. Fifteen Jewish members of Congress issued a joint statement condemning both Fine’s rhetoric and Bilzerian’s video.
A special election will determine who completes the remainder of Senator Marco Rubio’s term after he was appointed secretary of state. Former Attorney General Ashley Moody is the Republican frontrunner, while former NSC aide Alexander Vindman and state lawmaker Angie Nixon compete for the Democratic nomination. A recent poll showed Moody with about 50% support in a head-to-head matchup, with Nixon at 42% and Vindman at 40%.
Long-time Democratic Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz is running in the newly drawn 20th district, which now includes a larger Black electorate. She faces several Black Democratic challengers, including educator Elijah Manley and former Broward County Mayor Dale Holness.
In the Miami area, Congressman Jared Moskowitz, a conservative Democrat and strong supporter of Israel, is challenged by democratic socialist Oliver Larkin, who has described Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide. A poll shows Moskowitz with a narrow two-point lead.
Republican Congressman Cory Mills, a Trump-endorsed incumbent, is on the ballot in the 7th district despite ongoing ethics investigations and personal allegations. Governor DeSantis has said he will not support Mills. If Mills wins the primary, his seat could become a target for Democrats in the general election.