Florida voters will be heading to the polls in 2026 to elect a governor for the first time in eight years.
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With Ron DeSantis leaving office due to term limits, the state’s voters will have a crowded field to choose from with more than two dozen candidates running to replace him.
Click here to learn more about the Republican candidates for governor
Florida’s primary will take place on Aug. 18, followed by the state’s general election on Nov. 3.
Here’s a look at the candidates running for the Democratic nomination:
Evelyn Castillo-Bach
A longtime resident of Pembroke Pines, Castillo-Bach serves as the Executive Director of Balanced Justice Network – Changing the System, an organization that advocates for criminal justice reform.
“I am an optimist. Florida is a beautiful State. The nature and climate is fantastic. Many do well here,” Castillo-Bach says on her campaign website. “But all Floridians also see and know that we have too many Floridians — good people, hard working people — who are barely making it or not making it at all. They are actually the working poor. They don’t make enough money to afford childcare even if they work 2 or 3 jobs.”
Thomas Eloy Fernandez
Fernandez’s Facebook campaign page says he’s a 20-year U.S. Air Force veteran, healthcare professional, husband, father, and community leader.
“Our campaign is about bringing people together, listening to every voice, and working toward practical solutions for affordability, healthcare, education, housing, veterans, public safety, and stronger communities,” the page says. “We’re building NOVA — Navigating Our Vision Ahead — to bring responsible, people-powered leadership to Florida.”
Dayna Marie Foster
Foster is from South Florida and has worked as a math teacher at Fort Lauderdale High School.
Her website says she’s focused on expanding opportunity, lowering costs, and strengthening communities across the state.
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“For Dayna, public service isn’t a career move, it’s a calling. She’s not waiting for a leader. She’s becoming the leader she once needed. She’s putting public service back into public office,” her site reads.
David Jolly – Gwen Graham
Jolly is a former member of Congress from 2014 to 2017, an attorney, and a television analyst who was formerly a Republican, an Independent, and is now a Democrat.
Graham, his lieutenant governor pick, served as the U.S. representative for Florida’s 2nd congressional district from 2015 to 2017 and is the daughter of Bob Graham, the former United States senator and governor of Florida.
“David Jolly is running for Governor of Florida on three simple values: the economy should work for everyone; strengthening our state requires solutions for housing and insurance, healthcare, and education, and everyone’s rights should be protected and their dignity celebrated,” their campaign website reads.
Dotie Joseph
A Haitian-born attorney from North Miami, Joseph was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2018 and served as Minority Leader pro tempore from 2022-2024.
“It’s time we have a government that works for all of us — not just the 1%. Lower costs for gas, groceries, healthcare, housing, and insurance premiums. Safety net for seniors, veterans and children in the face of federal cuts,” her campaign website says.
Stephann Norman
Norman, from Tampa, said he wants to “revitalize education” and focus on affordable housing and healthcare for all as Florida governor
“I’ve worked a variety of jobs, including as a bagger at MacDill Air Force Base Commissary, where my skills were honed and gleaned valuable life lessons from veterans and customers alike. My work experience includes customer service jobs at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and most importantly a caregiver for my late grandfather; always prioritizing the needs of others,” his campaign website says. “As your true Democrat Governor, I am committed to making Florida a state where all residents can thrive, not just survive. Together, we can build a future where everyone has access to affordable housing, quality education, healthcare, and protection in times of need.”
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