Florida Voters to Elect New Governor November 3
The upcoming election will determine both the next governor and the incoming First Lady of Florida.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Elections
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Florida voters will head to the polls on November 3, 2026, to elect a new governor, as current Governor Ron DeSantis is term-limited. This contest also results in the selection of a new First Lady for the state.
Why it matters
The transition marks a significant shift in Florida leadership because Governor Ron DeSantis has reached his term limit. Voters will choose between the platforms of Republican nominee Byron Donalds and Democratic nominee David Jolly.
The election is set for November 3, 2026, and involves Republican nominee Byron Donalds and Democratic nominee David Jolly. The outcome is the only way to determine who will succeed current First Lady Casey DeSantis.
The players
Ron DeSantis
He is the current Governor of Florida and is barred from seeking re-election due to term limits.
Byron Donalds
He is the Republican nominee for the Florida gubernatorial election.
David Jolly
He is the Democratic nominee for the Florida gubernatorial election.
Erika Donalds
She is the wife of Byron Donalds and a former school board member who founded the Education Freedom Foundation.
Laura Jolly
She is the wife of David Jolly and a former Washington, D.C. based lobbyist.
The details
Republican nominee Byron Donalds is married to Erika Donalds, who served on the Collier County school board from 2014 to 2018 and founded the Education Freedom Foundation. Democratic nominee David Jolly is married to Laura Jolly, a former lobbyist who has two children aged 7 and 5.
Timeline
2003: Byron and Erika Donalds married.
2014-2018: Erika Donalds served on the Collier County school board.
2015: David and Laura Jolly married.
October 2026: Laura Jolly spoke to voters in South Tampa.
November 3, 2026: Florida gubernatorial election.
Political Context
The transition reflects the mandatory change in leadership established by the Florida Constitution Article IV Section 5 regarding gubernatorial term limits. Opposition parties in the race are highlighting different priorities, with Erika Donalds emphasizing education freedom while Laura Jolly has yet to outline specific plans.
The results of the November 3 election will dictate the state's executive policy direction for the coming term. Residents should be prepared for potential shifts in education and regulatory priorities depending on which candidate wins.
The takeaway
The election represents a pivot point for the state administration and the role of the First Lady. Voters can prepare for the election by reviewing the stated policy goals of both the Donalds and Jolly families regarding the future of Florida.
Further reading
For more information on the upcoming races, visit the Florida elections portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WFLA.
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