Florida’s political world has turned its attention to the 2026 election. The prize is governorship. Will national Democrats pay attention to Florida?
In the 2022 governor’s race national Democrats Ignored Florida. That was a significant factor in the outcome. The result strengthen the hand of Governor Ron DeSantis for his second term. If that happens again in 2026 it will surely cost Democrats, the 2028 presidential election.
Outgoing Governor DeSantis wants First Lady Casey to succeed him. But standing in the way could be his difficulties with President Trump and with his Republican colleagues in the Legislature.
Florida Republican U. S. Rep. Byron Donalds has already received an endorsement from President Trump. With the Epstein Files controversy…what effect will that endorsement have?
State Senator Jason Pizzo previously the Democratic leader in the Florida Senate declared “The Democratic Party in Florida is dead.” Reporting says he will run for Governor as an independent.
Nikki Fried, chair of the Florida Democratic Party, will have none of that. She is aggressive and outlined a plan to open the Democratic primary to non party affiliated voters. Not a bad idea when both political parties have image problems.
Former Republican US Representative David Jolly announced his gubernational candidacy as a Democrat. He certainly has legs and is qualified.
GOP operatives believe their party is strong because of Gov. DeSantis “red wave” victory in 2022. He owes his victory to Democrats.
If you watched that campaign it was noticeable the Democratic gubernational candidate got absolutely no national help. The Democratic Governors Association provided little funds, staff, surrogates nor a victory strategy. The Democratic National Committee must have given up Florida and never provided cash.
If the national Democratic organizations don’t play in the 2026 Florida Governor’s race…they can forget about Florida in the 2028 presidential election and 30 electoral votes.