# Florida 2026 gubernatorial election

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/florida-2026-gubernatorial-election
> Updated: 2026-10-12T17:15:00.000Z. Sources: 20. Developments: 4.

The 2026 Florida gubernatorial race has emerged as a central focus of the upcoming general election, driven by Governor Ron DeSantis being term-limited. Democratic nominee David Jolly has characterized the political climate as a “1974 post-Watergate moment” while facing scrutiny over his insurance policy proposals.

As the election approaches, the contest between Jolly and Republican Byron Donalds remains competitive. Polling from Change Research indicates the Democratic ticket of Jolly and Gwen Graham leads the Republican ticket of Donalds and Bryan Ávila with 47% to 44%, though other metrics such as RealClearPolitics averages have previously shown Donalds with a slight advantage.

Republican nominee Byron Donalds is facing a more competitive race than previously anticipated. Republican officials are navigating pressures related to inflation, shifting voter sentiment, and the influence of President Donald Trump. Former Representative Carlos Curbelo noted that the current political environment mirrors the 2018 midterms, a period when Democrats made significant gains in the state. In response to potential Democratic surges, the Republican National Committee has defended the party by citing a 1.5 million voter registration advantage in Florida.

In the final weeks of the campaign, Jolly has shifted focus toward securing support from Black voters, noting that approximately 10% of this demographic remains undecided. Jolly has also pledged to protect immigrant communities, specifically the Haitian community in Miami, by supporting the extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and ending state cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These promises have met with skepticism from some residents questioning his authority to influence federal immigration matters.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-12: David Jolly targets Black voters and immigrant protections in Florida race

Florida Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Jolly is targeting undecided Black voters and pledging to protect immigrant communities and end state cooperation with ICE.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/david-jolly-targets-black-voters-and-immigrant-protections-in-florida-race

### 2026-09-25: Florida Republicans face midterm challenges ahead of 2026 elections

Florida Republicans face mounting challenges in the 2026 midterms as Byron Donalds enters a competitive gubernatorial race against Democrat David Jolly amid shifting political tides.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/florida-republicans-face-midterm-challenges-ahead-of-2026-elections

### 2026-09-20: Florida 2026 general election features open governor race

Florida voters will elect a new governor on Nov. 3, 2026. Recent polls show a tight race between Republicans Byron Donalds and Democrats David Jolly.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/florida-2026-general-election-features-open-governor-race

### 2026-09-16: David Jolly campaigns for Florida governor amid insurance policy debates

Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Jolly describes the current political climate as a “1974 post-Watergate moment” while facing challenges in Florida, including debates over insurance policy.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/david-jolly-campaigns-for-florida-governor-amid-insurance-policy-debates

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Cite as: Florida 2026 gubernatorial election. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/florida-2026-gubernatorial-election