Florida primaries gauge Trump’s influence and Democratic prospects
Florida voters selected party nominees for governor, Senate and congressional races, with Republicans relying on Donald Trump’s endorsement and Democrats seeking to revive competitiveness in the state.
Florida held its primary elections on Tuesday, determining the Republican and Democratic nominees for governor, a U.S. Senate special election and several congressional seats. The contests are viewed as a test of President Donald Trump’s sway over the state’s Republican base and of the Democratic Party’s ability to regain relevance in a state that has shifted sharply to the right since 2016.
U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, a Republican, is counting on Trump’s endorsement as he seeks the party’s nomination for governor, competing against Lt. Gov. Jay Collins and newcomer James Fishback. Donalds, who would become the state’s first Black governor if elected, emphasized tax cuts, insurance reform and health-care price transparency in his campaign.
"The people of Florida want to make sure that the Florida dream is alive and well into the future," Donalds said.
The leading Democratic candidate for governor is former Republican congressman David Jolly, who switched parties last year and hopes to demonstrate that a former GOP officeholder can win the Democratic ticket in Florida.
Two Democrats are vying for the Senate seat left vacant by Marco Rubio’s appointment as secretary of state. Progressive state legislator Angie Nixon faces retired Army Lt. Col. Alex Vindman, a former National Security Council official who testified in Trump’s first impeachment trial.
Incumbent Sen. Ashley Moody, appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis to fill Rubio’s seat, is seeking the Republican nomination with Trump’s backing.
In the U.S. House races, longtime Democratic Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz is running in a newly drawn, majority-Black district in Broward County. She is the only white candidate among four Black challengers, including former Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, who is contesting the race despite a pending federal indictment.
"Representation matters and lived experience matters. But experience and making sure that you have someone who has the seniority and the seasoning to be able to deliver for a district, it matters as well," Wasserman Schultz said.
Republican Rep. Cory Mills, seeking a third term in the 7th district, faces three primary opponents after Gov. DeSantis declined to endorse him.
"I have not endorsed Cory Mills, and I do not support Cory Mills," DeSantis said.
Voter turnout will be closely watched. Registered Republicans now outnumber Democrats in the state, and the level of participation by each party in the primaries could signal the likely dynamics of the November general election, particularly in swing areas such as Miami-Dade County.