2026 United States Senate special election in Florida
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The 2026 United States Senate special election in Florida is expected to be held on November 3, 2026, to elect a member of the United States Senate to represent the state of Florida, to fill in the last two years of former Republican senator Marco Rubio’s term, who resigned his seat to become United States secretary of state under President Donald Trump's second administration.[1]
According to Florida law, if a U.S. Senate seat becomes vacant, the governor has authority to appoint a temporary replacement until the next general election. The appointee holds the position until the vacancy is filled by a special election during the next general election cycle, which, in this case, is scheduled for November 3, 2026.[2] Governor Ron DeSantis chose Florida attorney general Ashley Moody to replace Rubio in the Senate.[3] She is running in the special election to complete the term.
This will be the first U.S. Senate special election in Florida since two elections in 1936.
Interim appointment
Appointee
- Ashley Moody, Florida attorney general (2019–2025)[3]
Considered but not appointed
- Kat Cammack, U.S. representative from Florida's 3rd congressional district (2021–present)[3]
- Jay Collins, state senator from the 14th district (2022–present)[3]
- Laurel Lee, U.S. representative from Florida's 15th congressional district (2023–present)[4]
- Cory Mills, U.S. representative from Florida's 7th congressional district (2023–present)[3]
- James Uthmeier, chief of staff to Governor Ron DeSantis (2021–2025)[4]
Declined to be considered
- Ron DeSantis, Governor of Florida (2019–present), former U.S. representative from Florida's 6th congressional district (2013–2018), candidate for U.S. Senate in 2016, and candidate for president in 2024[5]
- Lara Trump, former co-chair of the Republican National Committee (2024–2025) and daughter-in-law of President Donald Trump[6]
Republican primary
Candidates
Declared
- Jake Lang, podcaster and participant in the January 6 U.S. Capitol attack[7]
- Ashley Moody, incumbent U.S. senator (2025–present)[8]
Filed paperwork
- Josue Larose, lobbyist and perennial candidate[9]
- Alix Toulme, religion founder and perennial candidate[10]
Publicly expressed interest
- Cory Mills, U.S. representative from Florida's 7th congressional district (2023–present)[11]
Declined
- Matt Gaetz, former U.S. representative from Florida's 1st congressional district (2017–2024)[12]
Endorsements
Ashley Moody
- Executive branch officials
- Donald Trump, 45th and 47th president of the United States (2017–2021, 2025–present)[13]
- U.S. senators
- Rick Scott, U.S. senator from Florida (2019–present)[14]
- U.S. representatives
- Aaron Bean, U.S. representative from Florida's 4th congressional district (2023–present)[15]
- Gus Bilirakis, U.S. representative from Florida's 12th congressional district (2007–present)[15]
- Vern Buchanan, U.S. representative from Florida's 16th congressional district (2013–present)[16]
- Kat Cammack, U.S. representative from Florida's 3rd congressional district (2021–present)[15]
- Mario Díaz-Balart, U.S. representative from Florida's 26th congressional district (2003–present)[15]
- Neal Dunn, U.S. representative from Florida's 2nd congressional district (2017–present)[15]
- Scott Franklin, U.S. representative from Florida's 18th congressional district (2021–present)[15]
- Mike Haridopolos, U.S. representative from Florida's 8th congressional district (2025–present)[15]
- Laurel Lee, U.S. representative from Florida's 15th congressional district (2023–present)[17]
- Brian Mast, U.S. representative from Florida's 21st congressional district (2017–present)[15]
- Jimmy Patronis, U.S. representative from Florida's 1st congressional district (2025–present)[15]
- Multi-county officials
- 15 state attorneys[18]
- County officials
- Ric Bradshaw, Palm Beach County sheriff (Democrat)[8]
- Mike Chitwood, Volusia County sheriff (Independent)[8]
- Chad Chronister, Hillsborough County sheriff[8]
- Rosie Cordero-Stutz, Miami-Dade County sheriff[8]
- Bob Gualtieri, Pinellas County sheriff[8]
- Grady Judd, Polk County sheriff[8]
- Dennis Lemma, Seminole County sheriff[8]
- John Mina, Orange County sheriff (Democrat)[8]
- T. K. Waters, Duval County sheriff[8]
- Morris A. Young, Gadsden County sheriff (Democrat)[8]
- 54 other county sheriffs[8]
- Organizations
Fundraising
| Campaign finance reports as of June 30, 2025 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Raised | Spent | Cash on hand |
| Jake Lang (R) | $28,722 | $26,938 | $1,784 |
| Ashley Moody (R) | $2,392,467 | $129,965 | $2,262,502 |
| Source: Federal Election Commission[20] | |||
Democratic primary
Candidates
Filed paperwork
- Joey Atkins, attorney and nominee for Florida's 26th congressional district in 2024[21]
- Paul Ron Cruz[22]
- Frank Dimola[23]
- Kael Dougherty[24]
- Alex Gould, business owner[25]
- Alan Grayson, former U.S. representative from Florida's 9th congressional district (2009–2011, 2013–2017) and perennial candidate[26][27][28]
- Tamika Lyles, chair of the Osceola County Democratic Black Caucus[29]
- Evelyn Mcbride, life coach[30]
- Dennis Stevens[31]
Publicly expressed interest
- Jerry Demings, Mayor of Orange County (2018–present) and husband of former U.S. representative Val Demings[32]
- Jennifer Jenkins, former Brevard County school board member[33]
- Angie Nixon, state representative from the 13th district (2020–present)[34]
- Alexander Vindman, former director of European affairs for the U.S. National Security Council, whistleblower in the 2019 Trump–Ukraine scandal, and brother of U.S. representative Eugene Vindman[35]
Withdrawn
- Josh Weil, teacher, nominee for Florida's 6th congressional district in the 2025 special election, and candidate for U.S. Senate in 2022[21]
Endorsements
Jennifer Jenkins (not declared)
- U.S. representatives
- Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, former U.S. representative from Florida's 26th congressional district (2019–2021) and nominee for U.S. Senate in 2024[36]
- State legislators
- Tina Polsky, state senator from the 29th district (2020–present)[36]
Josh Weil (withdrawn)
- Individuals
- Heather Digby Parton, political blogger[37]
Fundraising
Italics indicate a withdrawn candidate.
| Campaign finance reports as of June 30, 2025 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Raised | Spent | Cash on hand |
| Alan Grayson (D) | $62,827 | $65,552 | $124,193 |
| Josh Weil (D) | $15,774,322 | $15,552,478 | $221,846 |
| Source: Federal Election Commission[20] | |||
Independents
Declined
- John Morgan, lawyer and founder of Morgan & Morgan[38]
Third parties
American Party
Filed paperwork
- Jason Standridge[39]
Veterans Party
Filed paperwork
- Justin Green[40]
General election
Predictions
| Source | Ranking | As of |
|---|---|---|
| Inside Elections[41] | Solid R | Feb 20, 2025 |
| The Cook Political Report[42] | Solid R | Feb 13, 2025 |
| Sabato's Crystal Ball[43] | Safe R | Mar 12, 2025 |
| Race To The WH[44] | Lean R | Apr 27, 2025 |
Notes
- ^ Marco Rubio, the three-term senator of Florida, was nominated by President Donald Trump to be the United States Secretary of State in his second cabinet. On January 20, 2025, he was confirmed by the Senate as Secretary of State and subsequently resigned his seat. Governor Ron DeSantis has chosen Ashley Moody to replace him.
References
- ^ Beggin, Riley. "Trump taps Marco Rubio for Secretary of State". USA TODAY. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
- ^ "Chapter 100 Section 161 - 2024 Florida Statutes". m.flsenate.gov. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
- ^ a b c d e Dixon, Matt (January 16, 2025). "Ron DeSantis picks Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody to fill Rubio's Senate seat". NBC News. Retrieved January 16, 2025.
- ^ a b Ogles, Jacob (November 12, 2024). "Laurel Lee part of conversation for Marco Rubio's Senate seat". Florida Politics. Retrieved April 4, 2025.
- ^ Gancarski, A.G. (January 11, 2025). "'Absolutely not': Gov. DeSantis says he won't appoint himself to replace Marco Rubio in the Senate". Florida Politics. Retrieved January 11, 2025.
- ^ "Lara Trump removes herself from consideration for Florida Senate, ending speculation". The Associated Press. December 22, 2024. Retrieved December 22, 2024 – via WPDE-TV.
- ^ DeLuca, Alex (March 12, 2025). "Meet the January 6 Rioter Running for Marco Rubio's U.S. Senate Seat". Miami New Times. Retrieved March 12, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Wilson, Drew (March 20, 2025). "Ashley Moody's Senate campaign touts clean sweep of GOP Sheriffs". Florida Politics. Retrieved April 3, 2025.
- ^ "LAROSE, JOSUE ECONOMIST - Candidate overview - FEC.gov". FEC.gov. Retrieved June 1, 2025.
- ^ "TOULME, ALIX CHRISTOPHER MR. JR. - Candidate overview". FEC.gov. Retrieved May 31, 2025.
- ^ Leonard, Kimberly (March 31, 2025). "Democrats' Florida Sixth sense". Politico. Retrieved April 1, 2025.
Rep. CORY MILLS (R-Fla.) told Playbook over the weekend that he was still 'eyeballing the seat' for Senate that will be up for election in 2026.
- ^ Fineout, Gary; Leonard, Kimberly (July 11, 2025). "He was DeSantis' 'bulldog.' Will Trump help Florida's attorney general stick around?". Politico. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
- ^ Gancarski, A.G. (July 25, 2025). "Donald Trump endorses Ashley Moody's return to U.S. Senate". Florida Politics. Retrieved July 25, 2025.
- ^ Gancarski, A.G. (March 28, 2025). "Rick Scott endorses Ashley Moody in 2026 Senate race". Florida Politics. Retrieved March 28, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "Delegation for 8.12.25: Redder state — Chinese spyware — aquaculture — buses — Turkey". Florida Politics. August 12, 2025. Retrieved August 12, 2025.
- ^ Leonard, Kimberly; Domínguez, Isa (April 22, 2025). "Donalds faces the anti-DOGE music". Politico. Retrieved April 22, 2025.
- ^ Ogles, Jacob (April 4, 2025). "'An exceptional leader': Laurel Lee wants Ashley Moody to remain in the Senate". Florida Politics. Retrieved April 4, 2025.
- ^ Ogles, Jacob (March 19, 2025). "Every Republican State Attorney in Florida endorses Ashley Moody's re-election to U.S. Senate". Florida Politics. Retrieved April 3, 2025.
- ^ "Maggie's List Announces First Round of 2026 Senate Endorsements". maggieslist.org. Maggie's List. Retrieved March 27, 2025.
- ^ a b "2026 Election United States Senate - Florida". fec.gov. Federal Election Commission. Retrieved April 23, 2025.
- ^ a b Ogles, Jacob (July 31, 2025). "Josh Weil drops out of U.S. Senate race against Ashley Moody". Florida Politics. Retrieved July 31, 2025.
- ^ "CRUZ, PAUL RON - Candidate overview". FEC.gov. January 1, 2019. Retrieved May 31, 2025.
- ^ "DIMOLA, FRANK - Candidate overview". FEC.gov. January 1, 2019. Retrieved May 31, 2025.
- ^ "DOUGHERTY, KAEL - Candidate overview". FEC.gov. January 1, 2019. Retrieved May 31, 2025.
- ^ "GOULD, CHARLES AKA ALEX A - Candidate overview". FEC.gov. January 1, 2019. Retrieved May 31, 2025.
- ^ "FEC Form 2 for Report FEC-1890144". docquery.fec.gov. Retrieved May 13, 2025.
- ^ Singer, Jeff; Nir, David (August 21, 2024). "Morning Digest: Republicans are starting to give up on Kari Lake". The Downballot. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
Grayson, who was already well into the perennial candidate stage of his career...
- ^ Lemongello, Steven (April 24, 2025). "Alan Grayson jumps into Orlando state Senate race alongside Bracys". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
Former congressman turned perennial candidate Alan Grayson
- ^ "Campaign Documents - Florida Department of State". dos.elections.myflorida.com. Retrieved May 25, 2025.
- ^ "MCBRIDE, EVELYN JANE'-MARIE DR - Candidate overview". FEC.gov. January 1, 2019.
- ^ "STEVENS, DENNIS GENE MR - Candidate overview". FEC.gov. January 1, 2019. Retrieved May 31, 2025.
- ^ Leonard, Kimberly (August 5, 2025). "Jerry Demings floats trial balloon". Politico. Retrieved August 12, 2025.
- ^ Perry, Mitch (July 23, 2025). "Former Brevard County school board member Jennifer Jenkins eyes 2026 U.S. Senate run". Florida Phoenix. Retrieved July 25, 2025.
- ^ Gancarski, A.G. (July 31, 2025). "Angie Nixon considers Senate run, along with other possibilities". Florida Politics. Retrieved August 1, 2025.
- ^ DeFede, Jim (May 16, 2025). "Trump whistleblower Alexander Vindman eyeing Florida Senate run". CBS News. Retrieved May 16, 2025.
- ^ a b Ogles, Jacob (August 6, 2025). "Jennifer Jenkins brings on campaign team as Florida Democrats rally around potential Senate bid". Florida Politics. Retrieved August 12, 2025.
- ^ Klein, Howie (June 18, 2025). "Early Money = Movement Power: Waiting To Donate Is A Gift To The Establishment, Whether GOP Or DCCC". Blue America. Retrieved July 2, 2025.
- ^ Perano, Ursula; Diaz, Daniella (April 23, 2025). "Do Democrats Even Believe They Can Win Senate Seats in Florida and Texas?". NOTUS. Retrieved April 23, 2025.
- ^ "STANDRIDGE, JASON CLYDE MR. - Candidate overview - FEC.gov". FEC.gov. Retrieved June 1, 2025.
- ^ "GREEN, JUSTIN MR - Candidate overview". FEC.gov. Retrieved June 1, 2025.
- ^ "Senate Ratings". Inside Elections. Retrieved January 14, 2025.
- ^ "2026 CPR Senate Race Ratings". Cook Political Report. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
- ^ "2026 Senate ratings". Sabato's Crystal Ball. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
- ^ "2026 Senate Forecast". Race to the WH. Retrieved March 19, 2025.
External links
- Official campaign websites