2026 Florida Governor Race

Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Jolly wants to know why no other candidate for governor of Florida has condemned President Donald Trump for the video he posted on his Truth Social account depicting former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama as apes.

Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins is running for governor in the 2026 election. He faces Republican candidates Rep. Byron Donalds — endorsed by President Trump — former House Speaker Paul Renner and investor James Fishback.

He used a closed-door campaign stop in Sarasota to signal that education will be a central focus of his bid, calling for reforms to the state’s expanded school voucher system, significant teacher pay increases and a renewed investment in public schools.

The 30-year-old investor's entrance into the race tees up a broader challenge to President Donald Trump’s chosen candidate to lead his adopted home state.

On "The Florida Roundup," host Tom Hudson spoke separately to Paul Renner and David Jolly about their campaigns to become Florida governor.

This week on "The Florida Roundup," we spoke separately with two prominent candidates in Florida’s 2026 Governor’s race: David Jolly and Paul Renner. Plus, we heard from listeners about affordability issues facing Floridians, looked at spending at New College of Florida and more.

Mayor Jerry Demings has served Orange County for more than four decades in a variety of leadership roles.

The former Orlando police chief and Orange County sheriff issued a statement that focused on a need to make Florida more affordable.

The Democrat joins a crowded field hoping to succeed Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis. If elected, Demings would be Florida's first African American governor.

Florida has steadily made changes since its disputed 2000 presidential election. Among other things, Byrd said the state has sought to have uniform standards and quick results.

Despite recent elections and state GOP confidence, Democrat David Jolly says he can win the governorship in Florida.

The Florida Phoenix's Liv Caputo talks about the Florida Republican field and the standoff between those in DeSantis and Trump's camps.