Prominent trial attorney, businessman and political activist John Morgan announced on social media that he will not run for governor of Florida, ending months of speculation even as he renewed his plans to establish a new political party in the state.
Morgan, founder of the law firm Morgan & Morgan and a key backer of two successful Florida constitutional amendments – the legalization of medical marijuana and the increase of the state’s minimum wage to $15 per hour – said he made his decision after a period of reflection during the winter at his home in Maui.
“For about the last year and a half, people have been asking me to run for governor,” Morgan said in a recorded statement on X. “It’s been an honor, but I’ve decided I’m not going to do it.”
Citing his past advocacy work, Morgan said he felt his efforts in passing both amendments had already delivered more for working Floridians than many administrations had.
“Most things that happen in Tallahassee benefit the top one percent,” he said, adding that his campaigns were aimed at helping “the people,” echoing his law firm catchphrase, “For the People.”
Morgan, who recently turned 70, explained that his decision was partly personal, noting that the demands of campaigning no longer appeal to him: “I’m not the kind of guy that can campaign door to door or cut yellow ribbons,” he said, joking that he enjoys his “gummies” and wouldn’t want to give them up during hurricane season.
Name a new third party in Florida. Win $100,000?
While ruling out a run for governor, Morgan signaled he isn’t done with politics.
He revealed plans to file paperwork to create a Florida-based third political party, distinct from the national “No Labels” movement, and will host a public contest to name it. The winner get a $100,000 prize.
“I believe what ails us is the two-party system,” Morgan said. “Most of us agree on most things, but if you put the D up and the R up, nothing gets done.”
His call for a new political party isn’t new, however.
He has floated the idea for more than a year, saying in February 2025 that he had a “lawyer drafting the paperwork” to start the organization. At one point, he said he was leaning toward the name, “Capitalist Party.”
Since then, he’s said in interviews and on social media that the major parties no longer represent the broad middle of Florida voters.
Morgan ended his announcement on a personal note, saying he looks forward to spending more time with his family and relaxing in Hawaii.
“Mother Time is getting away from me,” he said. “I do like living in Hawaii. I do like my marijuana. And I do like spending time with my grandchildren.”
The Orlando attorney leaves the door open for other independent candidates to enter the 2026 gubernatorial race but hopes his new party can “kickstart a real third-party movement in the United States, launched in Florida.”
Florida’s 2026 governor’s race has already drawn a familiar cast of political heavyweights, with U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner and former hedge fund manager James Fishback among the leading Republican contenders to replace term-limited Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and former Pinellas County congressman David Jolly have emerged as the most prominent Democratic candidates. Registered Republicans outnumber Democrats in Florida by about 5.5 million to roughly 4 million, with no-party- and other-party-affiliated voters at 3.8 million combined.
Jim Rosica is a member of the USA TODAY Network – Florida Capital Bureau. Reach him at jrosica@tallahassee.com and follow him on Twitter/X: @JimRosicaFL
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: John Morgan won’t run for governor, plans $100K contest for third party
Reporting by Jim Rosica, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Tallahassee Democrat
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
