There are now 42 active candidates for Florida governor in 2026. Erik Edward Morris of Tampa filed to run as a write-in candidate on Thursday, March 12, according to Florida Department of Elections records.
Gov. Ron DeSantis is ineligible to run again this year due to term limits.
Here’s who’s in the running.
When is the 2026 Florida primary election?
The primary election will be Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.
The deadline to register or change party affiliation is July 20.
Who is running for Florida governor in 2026?
There are 42 declared candidates as of March 13, according to the Florida Department of Elections. Here’s the list, broken down by party.
Republican candidates for Florida governor in 2026
Democratic candidates for Florida governor in 2026
Independent candidates for Florida governor in 2026
Libertarian candidates for Florida governor in 2026
NPA (No Political Affiliation) candidates for Florida governor in 2026
Constitution Party candidates for Florida governor in 2026
Write-in candidates for Florida governor in 2026
Why is Ron DeSantis not running for governor?
DeSantis is unable to run again because he has already served two consecutive terms. No one can run for three terms in a row.
Article IV of the Florida Constitution says, “No person who has, or but for resignation would have, served as governor or acting governor for more than six years in two consecutive terms shall be elected governor for the succeeding term.”
C. A. Bridges is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida’s service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida governor’s race swells to 42 candidates, here’s who’s running
Reporting by C. A. Bridges, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Tallahassee Democrat
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
