2026 United States Senate special election in Florida
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November 3, 2026
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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 finish the last two years of former Republican Senator Marco Rubio's term, who resigned his seat to become United States secretary of state in President Donald Trump's second administration.[1] The primary election will be held August 18, 2026.
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.[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 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 (2022–2025)[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]
Declined
- Matt Gaetz, former U.S. representative from Florida's 1st congressional district (2017–2024)[11]
Endorsements
Ashley Moody
- Executive branch officials
- Donald Trump, president of the United States (2017–2021, 2025–present)[12]
- U.S. senators
- Rick Scott, Florida (2019–present)[13]
- U.S. representatives
- Aaron Bean, FL-04 (2023–present)[14]
- Gus Bilirakis, FL-12 (2007–present)[14]
- Vern Buchanan, FL-16 (2013–present)[15]
- Kat Cammack, FL-03 (2021–present)[14]
- Mario Díaz-Balart, FL-26 (2003–present)[14]
- Neal Dunn, FL-02 (2017–present)[14]
- Scott Franklin, FL-18 (2021–present)[14]
- Mike Haridopolos, FL-08 (2025–present)[14]
- Laurel Lee, FL-15 (2023–present)[16]
- Brian Mast, FL-21 (2017–present)[14]
- Jimmy Patronis, FL-01 (2025–present)[14]
- Multi-county officials
- 15 state attorneys[17]
- County officials
- Ric Bradshaw, Palm Beach County sheriff (2005–present) (Democratic)[8]
- Mike Chitwood, Volusia County sheriff (2017–present) (independent)[8]
- Chad Chronister, Hillsborough County sheriff (2017–present)[8]
- Rosie Cordero-Stutz, Miami-Dade County sheriff (2025–present)[8]
- Bob Gualtieri, Pinellas County sheriff (2011–present)[8]
- Grady Judd, Polk County sheriff (2005–present)[8]
- Dennis Lemma, Seminole County sheriff (2017–present)[8]
- John Mina, Orange County sheriff (2018–present) (Democratic)[8]
- T. K. Waters, Duval County sheriff (2022–present)[8]
- Morris A. Young, Gadsden County sheriff (2004–present) (Democratic)[8]
- 54 other county sheriffs[8]
- Labor unions
- National Association of Realtors[18]
- Florida Association of Realtors[18]
- Associated Builders and Contractors of Florida[19]
- Florida Fraternal Order of Police[20]
- Organizations
- Political parties
Fundraising
| Campaign finance reports as of December 31, 2025 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Raised | Spent | Cash on hand |
| Jake Lang (R) | $31,334 | $27,276 | $4,058 |
| Ashley Moody (R) | $5,795,699 | $698,880 | $5,096,819 |
| Source: Federal Election Commission[25] | |||
Democratic primary
Candidates
Declared
- Joey Atkins, attorney and nominee for Florida's 26th congressional district in 2024[26]
- Hector Mujica, tech executive[27]
- Angie Nixon, state representative from the 13th district (2020–present)[28][29]
- 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[30]
Filed paperwork
- Paul Cruz[31]
- Frank Dimola[32]
- Kael Dougherty[33]
- Alex Gould, business owner[34]
- Alan Grayson, former U.S. representative from Florida's 9th congressional district (2009–2011, 2013–2017) and perennial candidate[35][36][37]
- Tamika Lyles, chair of the Osceola County Democratic Black Caucus[38]
- Evelyn McBride, life coach[39]
- Dennis Stevens[40]
Publicly expressed interest
- Jared Moskowitz, U.S. representative from Florida's 23rd congressional district (2023–present) (if state legislature passes new congressional maps, currently running for re-election)[41]
Withdrawn
- Jennifer Jenkins, former Brevard County school board member (running for U.S. House, endorsed Vindman)[42]
- Josh Weil, teacher, nominee for Florida's 6th congressional district in the 2025 special election, and candidate for U.S. Senate in 2022[43]
Declined
- Jerry Demings, Mayor of Orange County (2018–present) and husband of former U.S. representative Val Demings[44] (running for governor)
Endorsements
Hector Mujica
- U.S. representatives
- Adam Smith, WA-09 (1997–present)[45]
Alexander Vindman
- Local officials
- Jennifer Jenkins, former Brevard County school board member and former candidate for this seat[42]
- Individuals
- Paul Eaton, former deputy chief of staff for the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command[46]
- Organizations
Jennifer Jenkins (withdrawn)
- U.S. representatives
- Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, former FL-26 (2019–2021) and nominee for U.S. senate in 2024[47]
- State legislators
- Tina Polsky, state senator from the 30th district (2020–present)[47]
Fundraising
Italics indicate a withdrawn candidate.
| Campaign finance reports as of December 31, 2025 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Raised | Spent | Cash on hand |
| Joey Atkins (D) | $6,193 | $5,378 | $814 |
| Alan Grayson (D) | $137,892 | $138,795 | $126,014 |
| Tamika Lyles (D) | $22,877 | $3,048 | $19,828 |
| Hector Mujica (D) | $463,668 | $310,124 | $153,544 |
| Angie Nixon (D) | $97,680 | $2,649 | $95,031 |
| Source: Federal Election Commission[25] | |||
Independents
Declined
- John Morgan, lawyer and founder of Morgan & Morgan[48]
Third parties
American Party
Filed paperwork
- Jason Standridge[49]
Veterans Party
Filed paperwork
- Justin Green[50]
General election
Predictions
| Source | Ranking | As of |
|---|---|---|
| Inside Elections[51] | Solid R | January 12, 2026 |
| The Cook Political Report[52] | Solid R | January 12, 2026 |
| Sabato's Crystal Ball[53] | Likely R | January 29, 2026 |
| Race To The WH[54] | Lean R | February 2, 2026 |
Polling
Hypothetical polling
Ashley Moody vs. Jennifer Jenkins
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[b] |
Margin of error |
Ashley Moody (R) |
Jennifer Jenkins (D) |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of North Florida[55] | October 15–25, 2025 | 728 (LV) | ± 4.3% | 49%[c] | 38% | 3%[d] | 10% |
| 47% | 37% | 3%[d] | 13% | ||||
| The Tyson Group (R)[56][A] | October 1–3, 2025 | 800 (LV) | – | 44% | 37% | – | 19% |
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 chose Ashley Moody to replace him.
- ^ Key:
A – all adults
RV – registered voters
LV – likely voters
V – unclear - ^ With voters who lean towards a given candidate
- ^ a b "Someone else", "Wouldn't vote", and "Refusal" with 1%
Partisan clients
- ^ Poll sponsored by Plymouth Union Public Advocacy
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. January 2019. Retrieved June 1, 2025.
- ^ "TOULME, ALIX CHRISTOPHER MR. JR. - Candidate overview". FEC.gov. January 2019. Retrieved May 31, 2025.
- ^ 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.
- ^ a b Scheckner, Jesse (August 27, 2025). "Realtors back Ashley Moody for U.S. Senate, citing her 'critical support' of key issues". Florida Politics. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
- ^ Dixon, Drew (August 14, 2025). "Ashley Moody builds strong re-election support with endorsement from Florida contractors". Florida Politics. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
- ^ Schorsch, Peter (October 21, 2025). "Florida cops back Ashley Moody for U.S. Senate". Florida Politics. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
- ^ Ogles, Jacob (January 23, 2026). "Florida farmers sow support for Ashley Moody". Florida Politics. Retrieved January 24, 2026.
- ^ "Maggie's List Announces First Round of 2026 Senate Endorsements". maggieslist.org. Maggie's List. March 3, 2025. Retrieved March 27, 2025.
- ^ "Candidates". Senate Conservatives Fund. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
- ^ Costeines, Michael (September 1, 2025). "Republican Party of Florida Formally Endorses Ashley Moody for Senate". The Floridian. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
- ^ a b "2026 Election United States Senate - Florida". fec.gov. Federal Election Commission. Retrieved February 6, 2026.
- ^ Tsoukas, Alex (August 2025). "Laura Kelley Talks with Joey Mendoza Atkins on Young Men Leaving the Democratic Party". MSN. Retrieved October 30, 2025.
- ^ Heddles, Claire (October 15, 2025). "Why a Venezuelan-American Democrat says he has a chance in Florida's Senate race". Miami Herald. Retrieved October 15, 2025.
- ^ Gancarski, A.G. (September 25, 2025). "'Change can't wait': Angie Nixon explores run for Senate". Florida Politics. Retrieved September 26, 2025.
- ^ Harvey, Malcolm (January 22, 2026). "Rep. Angie Nixon announces run for US Senate in Florida's 2026 midterm elections". First Coast News. Retrieved January 22, 2026.
- ^ Perry, Mitch (January 27, 2026). "Whistleblower Alexander Vindman to seek Florida Democratic nomination for Senate". Florida Phoenix. Retrieved January 27, 2026.
- ^ "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.
- ^ Perry, Mitch (September 4, 2025). "Jared Moskowitz says he's not looking at Senate run; hopes he's not forced to". Florida Phoenix. Retrieved September 4, 2025.
- ^ a b Perry, Mitch (January 29, 2026). "Jennifer Jenkins drops out of the Democratic Senate race and endorses Alexander Vindman". Florida Phoenix. Retrieved January 29, 2026.
- ^ Ogles, Jacob (July 31, 2025). "Josh Weil drops out of U.S. Senate race against Ashley Moody". Florida Politics. Retrieved July 31, 2025.
- ^ Leonard, Kimberly (August 5, 2025). "Jerry Demings floats trial balloon". Politico. Retrieved August 12, 2025.
- ^ Williams, Kylie; Leonard, Kimberly (January 26, 2026). "Florida's commercial space race". Politico. Retrieved January 26, 2026.
- ^ a b Leonard, Kimberly; Williams, Kylie (February 10, 2026). "Vindman kicks off in Broward". Politico. Retrieved February 10, 2026.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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. January 2019. Retrieved June 1, 2025.
- ^ "GREEN, JUSTIN MR - Candidate overview". FEC.gov. January 2019. 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.
- ^ "Potential Republicans lead Democrats in Florida midterm matchups" (PDF). University of North Florida. October 28, 2025. Retrieved October 28, 2025.
- ^ "Moody's Position on the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits Will Have Key Impact on Senate Race". Plymouth Union Public Advocacy. October 7, 2025. Retrieved October 9, 2025.
External links
- Official campaign websites
- Joey Atkins (D) for Senate
- Paul Cruz (D) for Senate
- Alex Gould (D) for Senate
- Michaelangelo Hamilton (R) for Senate
- Jennifer Jenkins (D) for Senate
- Jake Lang (R) for Senate
- Tamika Lyles (D) for Senate
- Ashley Moody (R) for Senate
- Hector Mujica (D) for Senate
- Angie Nixon (D) for Senate
- Alix Toulme (R) for Senate
- Alex Vindman (D) for Senate