AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Florida’s state primary
WASHINGTON (AP) — Florida voters will select nominees Tuesday to replace term-limited Republican Gov. Ron…
On Tuesday, Florida will hold primary elections to choose nominees for two key positions: replacing term-limited Governor Ron DeSantis and completing the remaining U.S. Senate term of the late Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The gubernatorial race could have significant implications for both parties in the state. A contentious rivalry between DeSantis and President Donald Trump appears to dominate the Republican contest. Meanwhile, Democratic candidates are trying to revitalize their party after years of electoral struggles.
A total of eleven Republicans are vying for the governorship, with Lt. Governor Jay Collins, U.S. Representative Byron Donalds, former investment firm CEO James Fishback, and former state House Speaker Paul Renner among them. Donalds, who has secured Trump's endorsement, is leading financially and has Trump's backing. Donalds endorsed Trump in the 2024 primaries and was once considered as a potential running mate for Trump.
Collins, a loyal supporter of DeSantis, describes his campaign as an effort to "protect the DeSantis legacy." Despite being offered the role of lieutenant governor in August 2025, DeSantis has refrained from endorsing any candidate in the primary.
In the Democratic race, six candidates are running to succeed DeSantis. These include former Republican U.S. Representative David Jolly, state Representative Dotie Joseph, and Dayna Marie Foster, a former high school math teacher supported by the state's Democratic Progressive Caucus.
Written by urgent.news from Associated Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
