Republican Rep. Byron Donalds and Democrat David Jolly will compete for the Florida governorship in the November 2026 general election [1], [2].
The race is notable because both major-party nominees maintain open support for Israel, a key policy alignment that may limit the divide on foreign affairs in a typically polarized election.
Donalds, a three-term congressman [3], has secured the Republican nomination [3]. He enters the race as the GOP choice to succeed Governor Ron DeSantis, who is stepping down due to term limits [1], [2]. While some allies of the governor have endorsed Donalds, other reports indicate DeSantis has refused to officially endorse a successor [4], [5].
Jolly has won the Democratic primary to become the party's nominee [1]. The contest marks a rare instance where the two leading candidates for a state's highest office share a primary geopolitical stance [1], [2].
Florida's gubernatorial seat is one of the most influential positions in the U.S. due to the state's population and economic size. The transition from the DeSantis administration will likely shape the state's legislative priorities for the next four years.
Both candidates are now shifting their focus toward the general electorate ahead of the November vote [2].
“Two pro-Israel candidates will compete for the Florida governorship”
The alignment of both major-party nominees on Israel suggests that certain foreign policy positions have achieved a broad consensus among Florida's political leadership. This may shift the campaign's primary battlegrounds toward domestic issues, such as the economy and state governance, as the candidates seek to differentiate themselves to voters.
