Florida Republicans to Cross Party Lines in 2026 Midterms
Registered Republicans plan to support Democratic candidates in Tuesday's upcoming statewide elections.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Political Parties
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Would you vote for a candidate from another party to create checks and balances in government?
Ahead of the November 3, 2026, statewide elections, a segment of registered Republicans in Florida intends to cast ballots for Democratic candidates. These voters aim to establish checks and balances in a state where Republicans have held government control for nearly three decades.
Why it matters
Voters are signaling dissatisfaction with Donald Trump and his policies while seeking to counter the current Republican supermajority in the state House and Senate. These party switchers are expected to become a decisive voting block in upcoming statewide races.
A University of North Florida poll found that 11% of registered Republicans plan to vote for Democrat David Jolly. Meanwhile, 78% of the Florida Republican Party consists of registered Republicans.
The players
Tom Gray
An 81-year-old voter and long-time Republican from Palmetto Bay who has shifted his support toward Democratic candidates.
Jim Smith
An 88-year-old Florida resident from Fort Myers who has utilized mail-in ballots to vote for multiple Democratic candidates.
David Jolly
A Democratic candidate who is currently attracting crossover support from the Florida Republican base.
George Kruse
A political figure in Manatee County who has publicly supported Democratic candidates David Jolly and Kelly Kirschner.
Byron Donalds
A Republican candidate who is drawing some support from registered Democrats in Florida according to recent polling.
The details
Voters like 81-year-old Tom Gray and 88-year-old Jim Smith are utilizing mail-in ballots or planning to vote next week to register protests against one-party rule. George Kruse, a notable figure in Manatee County, has also expressed support for Democratic candidates David Jolly and Kelly Kirschner.
Timeline
Tom Gray voted for Jimmy Carter in 1976.
Tom Gray voted for Kamala Harris in 2024.
The Florida midterm election cycle takes place throughout 2026.
Florida statewide elections occur next week on November 3, 2026.
Political Context
Opposing advocacy groups and party loyalists argue that these crossover votes undermine the unified policy goals of the Republican platform. Critics maintain that maintaining a legislative supermajority is essential for passing conservative state laws without obstruction.
This political shift could directly impact the outcome of legislative races and the future balance of power within the state government. Residents may see changes in the legislative approval of state regulations and funding if the supermajority is successfully challenged.
The takeaway
Voters seeking to influence government outcomes may look toward supporting opposition candidates to restore traditional checks and balances. Implementation of split-ticket voting is a personal choice that can directly alter the margin of victory in tight midterm races.
What happens next
Florida statewide elections are scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Further reading
For more on shifting voter trends, see Political Parties in Florida.
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Would you vote for a candidate from another party to create checks and balances in government?
