Florida is preparing to elect a governor for the first time in eight years, with more than two dozen candidates from both parties competing to succeed Ron DeSantis.
The current governor cannot run for re-election due to constitutional term limits, so he will remain in office until January 2027.
The Republican primaries for governor of Florida will take place on August 18.
These are the candidates:
Jay Collins
He is the current lieutenant governor appointed by DeSantis in 2025. A veteran of the Army with 23 years of service as a Green Beret, he was deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan, and South America, was wounded in combat, and received the Purple Heart.
Announced his candidacy in January 2026 on social media, where he presented a vision of leadership inspired by his extensive military career.
It emphasizes values such as discipline, public service, and commitment to conservative principles. "I am running for governor because leadership is forged under pressure, not with clever phrases," he wrote.
Byron Donalds
The main rival of Collins has been a federal representative for District 19 since 2021, and he has the explicit support of President Donald Trump.
In May, polls placed Donalds' support among likely Republican voters between 44% and 54%, after raising $22.2 million in the first quarter of the year, the highest amount ever for a non-incumbent gubernatorial candidate in Florida's history.
He is committed to Trump's agenda of "Make America Great Again," and has shown a hardline stance towards the Cuban regime.
Paul Renner
He was the President of the Florida House of Representatives from 2022 to 2024.
Veteran of the Navy who served in Afghanistan and former assistant state attorney, confirmed his candidacy in September 2025.
"As a veteran of two wars, state prosecutor, and legislator, I have fought and won the tough battles for our conservative values," he says on his campaign site.
James Fishback
Former hedge fund analyst and new to politics, he is also seeking the nomination, although he has accumulated multiple controversies, including a lawsuit from Collins to remove him from the ballot for allegedly failing to meet the seven-year residency requirement in Florida.
"I am fighting to make life in Florida a little easier and much more affordable," reads on their campaign website.
Rachel Rodriguez
The only woman in the race. She is a lawyer, the daughter of a Cuban mother who arrived in the United States in 1962.
She identifies as a "working mother" and a "business builder."
"I am running because the leaders who have reached the heights of governmental power have forgotten for whom they work. (...) The families of Florida deserve leaders who govern like Jesus did: with sacrifice and by identifying with their reality, who fight for their future," says their website.
Caneste Succe
Born in Haiti and a former aircraft mechanic at Palm Beach International Airport
He also worked in the Palm Beach Correctional Department and at the Palm Beach Supervisor of Elections office.
"With your support, we will restore agriculture, reform prisons, strengthen families, and build a Florida where opportunity is not a privilege for a few, but a promise for all," it states on its website.
Bobby Williams
Entrepreneur and founder of the nonprofit organization Freedom Tour, dedicated to disaster relief.
He asserts that he wants to run specifically to protect families and ensure that aid reaches people quickly when there is an adverse natural phenomenon.
"Florida needs a governor who already understands the struggles of the working class, because they have experienced them closely enough to take action," proclaims on its website.
James W. Shaw
Transportation entrepreneur, real estate investor, and former owner and operator of three Auntie Anne's pretzel franchises.
"My name is James W. Shaw, married for 44 years, with 8 children and 27 grandchildren. I have a lot to protect! I stand with you," says his campaign.
Jim Holcomb
Holcomb is a retired firefighter who served in Orlando for nearly 30 years. He was also a teacher.
"I have a long history of building, teaching, and repairing things under pressure. As governor, I will work to fix what is broken in Florida," he states.
Daniel Nokovich
He describes himself as "a Republican guided by faith and rooted in the Constitution."
He assures that "he is not controlled by party machinery or special interests: only by his faith, his family, and his commitment to the people of Florida."
Arthur Joseph McCaffrey
He is a retired owner of a computer repair business, according to the Tampa Bay Times, which interviewed him earlier this month. He does not have a campaign website.
The general election debates are scheduled for October 15 at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton.
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