Florida 2026 general election features open governor race

Florida voters will head to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 3, for the 2026 general election. Because Governor Ron DeSantis is term-limited, the race for governor is a central focus. Republican Byron Donalds and Democrat David Jolly are among the leading candidates for the governorship.

Polling data from Change Research suggests a close contest, with the Democratic ticket of David Jolly and Gwen Graham leading the Republican ticket of Byron Donalds and Bryan Ávila at 47% to 44%. However, other metrics, such as RealClearPolitics averages, have previously shown Donalds with a slight lead.

In addition to the gubernatorial race, voters will decide on several state and federal offices, including U.S. Senator, Attorney General, and various legislative seats. The election also includes three proposed amendments to the Florida Constitution.

Key dates for voters include an Oct. 5 registration deadline and an Oct. 22 deadline to request mail-in ballots. Early voting is scheduled from Oct. 24 through Oct. 31, though specific hours and locations are determined at the county level.