Moderate Democratic candidates Alex Vindman and David Jolly are heavily favoured to secure their party's nominations in Florida's primary elections today, 18 August 2026. Vindman is expected to become the nominee for the Senate race, while Jolly is the leading candidate for the governor's race.
Political analysts suggest that the progressive liberal approach, which has seen success for Democratic candidates in states like Minnesota, Michigan, and New York, is not expected to resonate with voters in Florida. Florida, a former swing state, has become reliably Republican in recent years.
Vindman, a retired army lieutenant colonel and impeachment witness against former President Trump, is polling ahead of state representative Angie Nixon in the Democratic primary. He has campaigned on a "Florida First" platform, focusing on the economy, social security stability for seniors, and tackling corruption.
Jolly, a former Republican congressman who became a Democrat last year, is the most prominent candidate in a crowded field for the governor's nomination. He has indicated he does not plan to reverse the existing ban on transgender girls and women athletes participating in female teams at public schools and universities.