Florida elections 2026 Archives - Creative Loafing Tampa

An official judicial portrait photograph showing Florida Supreme Court Justice Carlos Muñiz. Captured in a medium close-up, Justice Carlos Muñiz faces forward with a slight smile, short brown hair, and clean-shaven face. He wears black judicial robes over a white collared dress shirt and a blue pattern necktie, set against a background featuring wood-paneled law library bookshelves filled with leather-bound volumes, flanked by the United States flag on the left and the Florida state flag on the right.

Op-ed: Vote ‘No’ on retaining Florida Supreme Court Justice Carlos Muñiz

The DeSantis appointee overruled precedent in arguments that opened the door for Florida’s six-week abortion ban.

by Ray Roa October 13, 2026October 13, 2026

On Nov. 3, Florida voters will find a question near the bottom of the ballot that most will skip: “Shall Justice Carlos G. Muñiz of the Supreme Court be retained in office?” Don’t skip it. We do not make this recommendation lightly, but vote “No.” Merit retention is not a referendum on whether voters like […]

Columns, News & Views

Op-ed: No matter what happens with Amendment 3, Florida needs to turn its attention to fixing property insurance

Bob Henriquez is the Property Appraiser for Hillsborough County, Florida, first elected in 2012.

By Bob HenriquezOctober 9, 2026October 9, 2026

A news photograph by Ray Roa showing Political signage outside the West Tampa Library in Tampa, Florida on Aug. 17, 2026. Captured in a wide outdoor shot in bright daylight, a dense collection of political campaign yard signs is staked into a grassy lawn and along a trimmed green hedge. Visible campaign signs display names including "Mike Beltran for U.S. Congress," "Alex Vindman," "Bea Valenti," "Angie Nixon," "Cindy Stuart," and "Aileen Rodriguez," set beneath palm tree fronds and blue sky.

Tampa Bay’s community radio station, WMNF, is providing free air time to candidates

Candidates—not surrogates—may leave a short voicemail at 813-819-7300.

by Seán Kinane and WMNF News October 7, 2026October 7, 2026

An outdoor landscape photograph showing Childs Park in St. Petersburg, Florida. Captured in a medium wide shot through a tree trunk in the foreground, a prominent curved red archway sign reading "CHILDS PARK" in capital lettering stands in a grassy park setting next to a tall, grey rectangular stone pillar monument. In the background, lush green oak trees, palm trees, a residential house, and a light-colored perimeter wall sit under a partly cloudy sky in natural daylight.

‘Good enough is not enough for the voters’: SPLC joins call for early voting site in South St. Pete’s Childs Park neighborhood

The SPLC says an area containing a third of St. Pete’s Black population currently has no early voting site.

by Valerie Smith October 2, 2026October 2, 2026

Vote Here sign on a sidewalk walkway leading to a polling place on Election Day.

Voter registration deadline for general election is October 5

Early voting for Hillsborough and Pinellas counties runs Oct. 19.-Nov. 1.

by Leif Helland September 30, 2026September 30, 2026

Mitch Perry tops lineup for WMNF’s live discussion of Florida’s midterm elections

Tom Scherberger, contributing editor at Florida Trident, moderates ‘Wavemakers Live’ on Sept. 17.

by Ray Roa September 10, 2026September 10, 2026

A photograph by Dave Decker showing Luis Salazar speaking at the C. Blythe Andrews Jr. Public Library in Tampa, Florida, on July 9, 2026. Captured in a medium three-quarter shot, Salazar holds a microphone in his right hand while gesturing with his left hand as he addresses the audience. He wears a tailored blue suit with a lapel pin, a white collared shirt, and a pink tie against a background featuring large framed glass windows.

La Gaceta: Luis Salazar upsets Mike Suarez in ‘good ole West Tampa brawl’ for state house nomination

The local election was a rejection of candidates who were trying to restart their political careers.

by Patrick Manteiga and La Gaceta August 23, 2026August 23, 2026

A photograph by Dave Decker showing Hillsborough County Commissioner Gwen Myers on the left and Aileen Rodriguez in the center seated at a panel table at the C. Blythe Andrews Jr. Public Library in Tampa, Florida, on July 9, 2026. Captured in a wide shot, Myers speaks into a microphone while wearing a turquoise cardigan with black trim and dark-rimmed glasses. Seated next to her, Rodriguez wears a bright magenta pink blazer and cat-eye glasses, listening intently alongside a third panelist seated on the right in a dark jacket.

Democrats Gwen Myers, Aileen Rodriguez, earn landslide victories in Hillsborough County Commission primaries

In the District 7 primary, Republican incumbent Donna Cameron Cepeda lost to Stacy Hanh.

by Ray Roa August 19, 2026August 19, 2026

A photograph by Dave Decker showing former U.S. Rep. David Jolly speaking at 1920 Ybor in Ybor City, Florida, on August 17, 2026. Captured in a half-length portrait against a large, textured American flag backdrop, Jolly stands smiling toward the audience behind two microphones on a stand. He wears a dark navy blazer over an open-collared white dress shirt, illuminated by soft stage lighting.

Republican Byron Donalds and alleged liberal David Jolly will compete to be Florida’s next governor

The result was somewhat predictable, but the primary ended the early part of a campaign season that has been punctuated by some unusual side stories.

by Christine Sexton and Florida Phoenix August 19, 2026August 19, 2026

A photograph by Dave Decker showing Florida State Rep. Angie Nixon speaking at an event at Equality Park in Broward County, Florida, on August 14, 2026. Captured in a medium shot behind a podium, Nixon speaks into a hand-held microphone while placing her left hand on the lectern. She wears a bright pink blazer over a white graphic t-shirt featuring bold black text reading "GOOD TROUBLE," paired with colorful beaded bracelets on her left wrist and visible arm tattoos. Behind her under warm indoor lighting, several attendees stand watching the address, including a man in a tan suit and tie to her right and a man with a dark beard to her left.

Despite 16 to 1 fundraising gap, Florida Rep. Angie Nixon wins US Senate primary by double digits

In her victory speech, Nixon called for unity but also took aim at her new opponent, Ashley Moody.

by Jay Waagmeester and Florida Phoenix August 19, 2026August 19, 2026

Democratic hopefuls for Tampa Bay’s District 13 congressional seat weigh in on affordability and national defense

Brandt Robinson and Brig. Gen. Leela Gray are two of three candidates hoping to unseat Rep. Anna Paulina Luna this fall.

by Leif Helland August 12, 2026August 12, 2026

Representative Kevin M. Steele speaks at a legislative committee hearing, wearing a blue suit and red tie, seated at a long, dark wood desk with other members;

Pasco state Rep. Kevin Steele faces questions over his race to represent Hillsborough County in congress

UPDATE: He has resigned from his seat.

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix August 6, 2026August 7, 2026

A photograph showing Florida House candidate Dayna Marie Foster speaking at a campaign event inside a Waffle House restaurant. Positioned center frame in a medium close-up shot, Foster holds a microphone near her chin, speaking and smiling while wearing a dark blue blazer over a light-colored top with her hair pulled back into a sleek ponytail. In the foreground, blurred audience members listen, including a person on the left wearing a blue polka-dot top. Background promotional signs read "Fireworks WAFFLE" and "GOOD BREW FAST $3.75" in bright yellow and red lettering under warm restaurant lighting.

In endorsement, progressive caucus says Dayna Marie Foster ‘speaks to voters disappointed with the institutions of the Florida Democratic Party’

Foster, a public-school teacher, is running against former Republican David Jolly.

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix August 6, 2026August 6, 2026

A wide interior photograph showing Florida State Representative Angie Nixon posing with supporters during a campaign event in St. Petersburg, Florida, on July 8, 2026. Positioned center-left, Nixon stands in a sleeveless red dress holding a bright pink campaign sign with white lettering reading "ANGIE NIXON FOR U.S. SENATE." She is flanked by three supporters smiling together, including a person in a white-and-grey striped shirt giving a peace sign on her right, and two supporters in black graphic shirts and blue jeans on her left. In the foreground, a person viewed from behind in an olive green t-shirt holds up a smartphone to photograph the group, set against a brightly lit indoor office space with a dropped ceiling and wood-plank flooring.

Race between Angie Nixon and Alex Vindman could test how progressive Florida Democrats really are

There are clear distinctions between the two on domestic and foreign policy.

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix August 5, 2026August 5, 2026

A row of white voting booths with 'VOTE' and American flag graphics inside a busy polling place or election office, with people and camera crew visible in the background.

Registration deadline for 2026 Florida primary election is July 20

Early voting starts on Aug. 3 and Aug. 8 in Hillsborough and Pinellas.

by Ray Roa July 14, 2026July 14, 2026

A crowded room of community members gathered during a Tampa City Council forum at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Complex in Tampa, Florida. In the foreground, attendees sit at round tables listening to a presentation, while in the background, a large banner features an illustration of a facility and the facility's name. A bright red Florida Rising banner stands on the right next to window blinds under bright indoor lighting.

Hillsborough County Democratic Black Caucus holds ‘Meet The Candidates’ forum in July

Congressional, state house, plus county commission and school board races will be covered.

by Leif Helland June 25, 2026June 25, 2026

A wide, eye-level, indoor photograph of a political campaign rally at The Woman’s Club in South Tampa. In the foreground, from behind, gubernatorial candidate David Jolly (in a dark suit) and Lieutenant Governor candidate Rep. Gwen Graham (in a vibrant pink blazer) stand side-by-side on a stage, facing a crowd of supporters. Graham has their right hand placed affectionately on Jolly’s back. The crowd in front of them is cheering, with many supporters holding up blue and white campaign signs that read 'JOLLY GRAHAM FOR FLORIDA.' The venue is decorated with warm overhead lighting and chandeliers, creating a festive, energized atmosphere.

Photos: David Jolly supporters pack Tampa Women’s Center

The former Republican leads Democrats in fundraising with $6 million.

by Ray Roa June 15, 2026June 15, 2026

Community organizer Robin Lockett wearing glasses and a light-colored blazer, speaking into a microphone at the WMNF 88.5 FM radio studio in Tampa. A black backdrop with colorful WMNF logos is visible behind the person.

Robin Lockett, Tampa organizer and director at Florida Rising, announces run for state house

She’ll officially launch her campaign at the end of the month.

by Ray Roa March 11, 2026March 11, 2026

A horizontal collage of 2026 Democratic candidates for Florida's 13th Congressional District: Earle Ford in a blue suit, Leela Gray in a red blazer, and Brandt Robinson in a light blue button-down shirt.

Meet three Pinellas Democrats hoping to unseat Rep. Anna Paulina Luna

Earle Ford, Leela Gray, and Brandt Robinson will be joined on Tuesday by more candidates in the primary.

by Jasmin Parrado March 9, 2026March 9, 2026

Leela Gray, retired U.S. Army Brigadier General and 2026 Democratic candidate for Florida’s 13th Congressional District, posing for a portrait in a red blazer against a blue sky background.

Army vet and Pinellas congressional candidate Leela Gray says she’s driven by the notion of ‘service over self’

by Jasmin Parrado March 9, 2026March 9, 2026