The Republican primary for the governor of Florida is already proving to be a hot topic, with the Democratic contenders poised to spark similar interest.
As Governor Ron DeSantis nears the conclusion of his final term, with elections slated for November 2026, the race to succeed him is heating up among both Republicans and Democrats.
By September 16, three primary candidates have emerged. On the Republican side, former President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind Byron Donalds and ex-House Speaker Paul Renner.
As for Democrats, its David Jolly.
Meanwhile, speculation abounds regarding potential candidates in both parties, with attention drawn to whether Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings might enter the race.
Folks are already looking at a possible historic day for Floridians, if the Republican and Democratic front-runners end up being Donalds and Demings.
“It would be historic if Byron Donalds wins the Republican primary and Jerry Demings wins the Democratic primary, leading to both parties having black men at the top of their gubernatorial tickets,” stated Political Analyst Tara Newsom.
Reporters asked Demings directly whether he plans on throwing his name in the race.
“I’m not saying I’m not going to run for governor. Given these things that have been happening, I just might,” Demings said.
Though usually recognized around Orange County, Demings is gaining state-wide attention as he spars with Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia, who frequently criticizes the county’s spending practices.
“They have been over taxing and overspending by the tune of over $200 million,” Ingoglia said at a press conference in Orlando.
“I think this is turning out to be a really exciting primary for the governor’s seat in the state of Florida, and that’s no surprise considering Florida is a national leader [in] policies and politics right now,” Newsom said.
As for other candidates, former House Speaker Paul Renner launched a new campaign video this week, highlighting his Republican wins coming off of his time working hand-in-hand with DeSantis.
The silence coming out of the governor’s mansion on who he’s endorsing will be key to keep a close eye on in the coming months.
