Florida to Hold Special Senate Election November 3
Voters will decide between Ashley Moody and Angie Nixon to complete the Senate term vacated by Marco Rubio.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Elections
Live Poll
Should the federal government prioritize expanding ACA subsidies and healthcare coverage for citizens?
Florida voters will head to the polls on November 3, 2026, to choose a U.S. Senator in a special election. The winner will serve the remainder of the term vacated by Marco Rubio after he was appointed Secretary of State.
Why it matters
The outcome will determine representation in the U.S. Senate until January 2029. This race allows voters to formally select a successor for the seat currently held by gubernatorial appointee Ashley Moody.
The special election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, to fill the seat through January 2029. This event follows the appointment of Ashley Moody by Governor Ron DeSantis in January 2025.
The players
Ashley Moody
She served as Florida's 38th Attorney General before being appointed to the U.S. Senate by Governor Ron DeSantis.
Angie Nixon
She is a member of the Florida House of Representatives who has held office since 2020.
Marco Rubio
He is the former U.S. Senator who vacated his seat in January 2025 to become the Secretary of State.
Ron DeSantis
He is the Governor of Florida who appointed Ashley Moody to the vacant U.S. Senate seat.
The details
The race features Republican appointee Ashley Moody, a former Florida Attorney General, against Democrat Angie Nixon, who has served in the Florida House of Representatives since 2020. Nixon joined the Democratic Socialists of America in June 2026 as part of her platform.
Timeline
January 2025: Marco Rubio vacated his Senate seat.
January 21, 2025: Ashley Moody was sworn into the U.S. Senate.
June 2026: Angie Nixon joined the Democratic Socialists of America.
August 18, 2026: Ashley Moody posted a campaign video on X.
November 3, 2026: Special election for the U.S. Senate seat.
Political Context
This election highlights the stark ideological divide between the Republican and Democratic parties in Florida. Critics of the appointment process argue that special elections are essential to ensuring democratic legitimacy rather than relying on gubernatorial appointments.
The winner of this election will hold the office for the remainder of the term, directly impacting federal policy decisions until 2029. Voters should verify their registration status and polling location ahead of the November 3 deadline.
The takeaway
Voters are encouraged to research the candidates' specific policy platforms regarding healthcare and economic legislation. Evaluating these positions will help residents make an informed decision on the future of Florida's representation in Washington.
Further reading
For more information on state voting procedures and candidate requirements, visit the Florida elections page.
Live Poll
Should the federal government prioritize expanding ACA subsidies and healthcare coverage for citizens?
