Florida Republicans Set for Key Primaries in 2026 Elections

Florida Republicans are gearing up for crucial primary elections on August 18, 2026, which will determine the party's nominees for the November 3 general elections. Voters in Miami, Orlando, and Tampa will choose candidates for U.S. Congressional seats, state legislative positions, and local offices, alongside the Republican nomination for governor.

In Miami-Dade County, the race for the U.S. House of Representatives District 25 features five Republican contenders: Dan Franzese, Raven Harrison, Joseph “Joe” Kaufman, George R. Moraitis, and Scott Singer. Meanwhile, incumbent Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar faces a challenge from V. Michael Arias in the race for the District 27 nomination. The county's Republican ballot also includes contests for Florida Chief Financial Officer, with Frank William Collige and Blaise Ingoglia competing, and for Commissioner of Agriculture, between Wilton Simpson and Matt Taylor.

Further contests are set for the Florida House of Representatives. In District 113, Bruno A. Barreiro, Tony Diaz, and Frank Lago are vying for the Republican nomination. District 118 sees Marco Insua and Mike Redondo in contention. In the Orlando area, the Republican primary for U.S. House District 9 presents a crowded field of seven candidates: Ben Butler, Marcus Carter, Thomas E. Chalifoux Jr., Dan Green, Jorge Martinez, Steve Rance, and Justin Story. District 11's race is open following Daniel Webster's decision not to seek re-election, with Carey Baker, Ivette Palomo, Nizam Razack, Joe Strada, and Tim Wilkins competing.

In the Tampa region, Hillsborough County's Republican primary for U.S. House District 14 has eight candidates: Mike Beltran, Michael Marcel, John Peters, Robert “Rocky” Rochford, Gavriel Soriano, Kevin Steele, Ergin “Batman” Tek, and Bea Valenti. The seat is currently held by Democrat Kathy Castor. At the state level, Amaro Lionheart, Angel Ramos, and Dan Weldon are competing for the Republican nomination in Florida House District 64.