Florida Republicans

David Jolly, former Republican congressman from Florida now running for governor as a Democrat, is drawing attention as attention turns to the 2026 Florida gubernatorial contest. Discussion is centering on where the major candidates stand on key issues, including climate and energy policy, with rival Byron Donalds' positions also under scrutiny as the race takes shape.

Florida is drawing attention as a possible gubernatorial matchup takes shape between former Congressman David Jolly and Congressman Byron Donalds. The Tampa Bay Times frames the contest as a clash of ideas putting the state at a crossroads, with Jolly, a former Republican now running as a Democrat, versus Donalds, a Trump-endorsed conservative. The contrast is being read as a test of Florida's political direction.

The Republican Party of Palm Beach County has thrown its support behind Florida state Representative Mike Caruso, a endorsement that strengthens his standing heading into the next election cycle. Caruso, a moderate-leaning Republican who has represented a competitive Palm Beach-area district, is seen as a key figure in the party's efforts to hold its legislative seats in a region that has been trending Republican but remains contested.

US Vice President JD Vance is campaigning in Florida, part of a red-state tour that arrives as new polling shows races in the Sunshine State tightening. Politico reports the visit underscores growing Republican concern that Florida, long considered safe territory, could become competitive, making it a priority stop as both parties pour attention into the state ahead of the elections.

Ohio Senator JD Vance has told Florida State Representative Angie Nixon to leave, according to a statement circulating online. Details about where the exchange happened and what prompted it are not yet confirmed. Nixon is a Democratic lawmaker from Jacksonville known for progressive positions, while Vance is the Republican vice-presidential figure and senator.

An NPR immigration briefing examines how the Trump administration's enforcement measures are affecting Cuban voters, a constituency that has historically leaned Republican. The analysis looks at how stricter policies toward Cuban migrants, including changes to parole and asylum pathways, may be shifting political allegiances within the Cuban-American community, particularly in Florida.

Florida gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds attended his first town hall at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, speaking directly to students and community members. The event marks an early step in his campaign outreach, drawing local attention as he works to build support ahead of the gubernatorial race.

The Miami-Dade Democratic Party has endorsed veteran broadcaster Eliott Rodriguez over incumbent Republican María Elvira Salazar in Florida's 27th Congressional District. The endorsement sets up a contested race in the Miami-based seat, with party activists weighing in behind a challenger to the sitting congresswoman ahead of the upcoming election cycle.

A Democratic candidate in Florida was arrested after heckling JD Vance during a campaign rally. The confrontation took place at a public event where the candidate interrupted Vance, a Republican US senator and former vice-presidential nominee, prompting security to intervene. The arrest of an active political candidate at a rally has drawn attention across party lines, with discussion centering on the incident itself and what it means for the candidate's campaign.

Florida congressman Byron Donalds is promoting the state's economic record while laying out an affordability agenda in his campaign for governor. He argues Florida's growth and job creation under Republican leadership stand in contrast to affordability struggles elsewhere, positioning the economy as a central theme of his bid to succeed term-limited Ron DeSantis.

Democrats are debating whether Florida can become a competitive battleground again, with party figures arguing the state could be put back in play. The discussion centers on whether the party is moving fast enough to capitalize on the opportunity, with critics warning that hesitation could squander a rare chance in a state that has drifted Republican in recent election cycles.

US Senators Rick Scott and Ashley Moody have introduced legislation aimed at strengthening American military readiness in the Gulf region. The bill's specific provisions have not been detailed in initial coverage. The two Florida Republicans have consistently pushed for a stronger US defense posture in the Gulf of Mexico and surrounding waters, citing national security concerns.

Byron Donalds, a Florida congressman and Republican candidate, is being examined for his positions on climate and energy policy. Voter-education efforts are laying out where he stands on issues such as clean energy, fossil fuels and federal climate action, as part of broader coverage comparing candidates' records ahead of the election.

A nonpartisan analyst, cited by The Washington Post, says Republican control of the governors' races in Florida and Texas is weakening. The assessment suggests Democrats are becoming more competitive in two large states that have recently been Republican strongholds, a shift that could shape the national political map and party strategy heading into the next election cycle.

CNN is asking whether Democrats can make Florida competitive again in national elections. The state, once a classic battleground, has drifted toward Republicans in recent cycles, and the party faces questions about whether it can rebuild its coalition there. The piece weighs Democratic prospects and strategy in a state many in the party have written off.

Leah Greenberg and Ezra Levin, co-founders of the activist group Indivisible, released a new episode of their show "What's the Plan?" featuring Florida state Representative Angie Nixon. The discussion focuses on how Democrats could flip a Republican-held state as part of a broader blue wave in the 2026 midterm elections, with Nixon offering an on-the-ground perspective from Florida.

Florida congressman Byron Donalds brought his 'Defending the Florida Dream' tour to Overtown, a historic Miami neighborhood, holding a cookout-style event with local residents. The stop is part of his statewide outreach swing, as the Republican continues building his public profile and outreach efforts amid speculation about his political ambitions in Florida.

The Cook Political Report has upgraded David Jolly's chances in November, a shift flagged by Florida Politics. Jolly, a former Republican congressman now running as a Democrat for Florida governor, is being taken more seriously by analysts tracking the race. The rating change suggests his campaign is gaining ground against the Republican field heading into the general election.

US Vice President JD Vance is addressing a Republican rally in Florida, with the remarks being carried live by PBS and other outlets. The speech comes as the party continues campaigning and rallying supporters, and it is drawing attention for what Vance may signal about the administration's political priorities and upcoming races.

US Senator Rick Scott is speaking out on two hot-button issues: rising healthcare costs and a proposed ban on stock trading by members of Congress. The Florida Republican weighed in on both topics during a news appearance, arguing for action on affordability while addressing ethics concerns about lawmakers trading individual stocks while in office.

Former US congressman David Rivera has been sentenced to 10 years in prison in a case connected to lobbying. The sentence concludes a prosecution against the Florida Republican, who once served in the House of Representatives. The outcome is drawing attention as a notable fall for a former sitting lawmaker and as part of broader scrutiny of lobbying-related misconduct in American politics.

Wyman Duggan, a Republican member of the Florida House of Representatives, has launched a campaign for mayor of Jacksonville. He joins the race to lead Florida's largest city, with the election expected to draw attention to local issues such as growth, public safety and city finances. Details of his platform and any rival candidates have not yet been announced.

Florida Today has published an exclusive examination of whether Republicans should embrace Donald Trump, paired with an analysis of Amendment 3's carrots and sticks. The piece explores the party's strategic dilemma over Trump's influence alongside the incentives and penalties embedded in the Florida ballot measure, giving voters a look at both questions heading into the election.

A super PAC backed by hedge-fund billionaire Ken Griffin has spent $5 million to support a Florida Republican, according to Reuters. The outlay highlights Griffin's continued role as one of the biggest Republican donors, funneling money into state-level races where his backing can shape primary contests and shift campaign dynamics.

Orange County Sheriff John Mina has endorsed Republican Ryan Elijah's congressional campaign in Florida. The backing from one of the region's most prominent law enforcement figures gives Elijah a notable name in local politics as he seeks the seat. Details of the race and other endorsements remain limited so far.

US Senator Rick Scott, a Florida Republican, reported a phone call with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado. According to Scott, Machado said she is ready to return to Venezuela peacefully and to sit down for talks with Delcy Rodríguez, who has been a leading figure in the Venezuelan government. The exchange highlights continued US political engagement with Venezuela's opposition.

Francis Rooney, a former Republican congressman from Florida who served from 2017 to 2021, has joined the board of directors of U.S. Term Limits, the advocacy group pushing congressional term limit amendments. The organization announced the personnel addition, and it is being noted in Florida political circles given Rooney's previous House tenure and advocacy on government reform issues.

Republican-led redistricting efforts in Texas and Florida, pushed with the expectation of gaining congressional seats ahead of the midterm elections, may not deliver the advantages President Trump had hoped for. Reporting suggests the new maps could face legal challenges, voter backlash, or produce smaller gains than projected, raising doubts about whether the redrawn districts will strengthen the party's narrow House margin as planned.

Democrats are sharply criticizing Senator Ashley Moody as Florida's U.S. Senate race intensifies. The attacks come amid an increasingly contested campaign, with the party seeking to undermine the Republican incumbent's standing with voters ahead of the election.