The 2026 Florida Governor's Race
Who is running, every date that matters, and how to make your voice count on November 3.
Get involvedTwo candidates are running for Governor of Florida in 2026: David Jolly, the Democratic nominee running with Gwen Graham for Lieutenant Governor, and Byron Donalds, the Republican nominee. Both won their party primaries on August 18, 2026.[1] The general election is Tuesday, November 3, 2026, with early voting running statewide October 24 through October 31.[2][3]
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What this race decides
The governor signs or vetoes every state budget, appoints the heads of the agencies that run schools, health care, insurance regulation, and emergency response, and sets the direction of the state for four years. Property insurance costs, what public schools can teach, how Florida grows, and how it answers a hurricane all run through this one office.[4] That is why this is the most watched governor's race in the country.
David Jolly and Gwen Graham.
David Jolly is a fifth generation Floridian, a former Member of Congress, and an attorney who has spent the campaign holding town halls in every corner of the state, focused on the cost of living, property insurance, and public schools. His running mate Gwen Graham represented Florida's 2nd District in Congress and served as a public school advocate for decades. They are running to make Florida affordable for the people who make it work.
The Republican nominee
Byron Donalds is a Republican Member of Congress from Southwest Florida and won his party's nomination on August 18.[1] Voters comparing the two candidates' records on insurance, health care, and taxes can start with his voting record in Congress, which is public, and with where David stands on the same questions on this site.[5]
Questions Floridians are asking
Q. When is the Florida governor election?
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Early voting runs statewide October 24 through October 31, and counties may add extra days. Polls are open 7 am to 7 pm local time on Election Day.
Q. When is the deadline to register to vote in Florida?
October 5, 2026. You can register or check your registration through the Florida Division of Elections at registertovoteflorida.gov, or through your county Supervisor of Elections.
Q. How do I vote by mail in Florida?
Request a vote-by-mail ballot from your county Supervisor of Elections by 5 pm local time on October 22, 2026. Under current Florida law a request covers one election cycle, so even if you voted by mail before, confirm your request is on file for 2026.
Q. Who won the Florida governor primaries?
In the August 18, 2026 primaries, David Jolly won the Democratic nomination and Byron Donalds won the Republican nomination.
Q. Why isn't Ron DeSantis running?
Florida governors are limited to two consecutive terms. Governor DeSantis completes his second term in January 2027, so the office is open.
Q. Who is David Jolly's running mate?
Gwen Graham, a former Member of Congress from Florida's 2nd District and a longtime public schools advocate, is the Democratic nominee for Lieutenant Governor.
Make a plan to vote.
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Every date and deadlineFlorida chooses its direction on November 3.
This page stays current through Election Day: the candidates, the dates, the coverage, and how to be counted.