Florida Primary Delivers Gov and Senate Nominees

Florida voters participated in the 2026 primary on August 18, with Byron Donalds winning the Republican nomination for governor and David Jolly winning the Democratic nomination for governor. In the U.S. Senate, Angie Nixon defeated Alex Vindman in the Democratic primary to face incumbent Ashley Moody in November. Nixon’s victory is notable as a Democratic Socialist of America member with strong grassroots backing challenging in a state that has tilted Republican in recent statewide contests. Moody, appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis to Rubio’s seat, secured the Republican Senate nomination to defend the seat in the remaining two years of Rubio’s term. The Florida primary also featured a crowded field for various state and local offices, underscoring a competitive path to November’s general election that could reshape the state’s political balance. Analysts note that Nixon’s upset underscores continued appetite among Democratic voters for candidates outside the traditional establishment, even amid large fundraising disparities.