Date: August 18, 2026
Voters in Florida went to the polls to pick party nominees for governor, U.S. Senate and several U.S. House seats after the state’s legislature redrew congressional maps. Florida was one of three states holding primaries that day; many contests were closely watched because redistricting reshaped several districts and could affect control of Congress after the midterms.
Key results so far
– U.S. House: Debbie Wasserman Schultz won the Democratic primary in a newly drawn district that cuts through Broward and Palm Beach counties. She ran in the district after redistricting altered her old seat and made it more competitive. The district had been represented by former Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick and was home to multiple Black candidates; Wasserman Schultz’s victory removes a likely opportunity for another Black member of Congress from that district.
– U.S. Senate (Democratic primary): Progressive organizer Angie Nixon defeated retired Army Lt. Col. Alex Vindman, a result called by the Associated Press and seen as a win for the progressive wing of the party in this primary season.
– 7th Congressional District: Incumbent Republican Cory Mills lost his primary to Ryan Elijah. Mills had faced a House Ethics Committee inquiry concerning allegations including assault and campaign finance violations; he has previously denied wrongdoing. The investigation and ethics scrutiny were factors in the contest, which the AP called for Elijah.
– Governor’s race: On the Republican side, Rep. Byron Donalds won a crowded primary after receiving high-profile support, including from former President Donald Trump. If he prevails in November, Donalds would be the first Black governor in Florida’s history. The Associated Press also called the Democratic gubernatorial primary for David Jolly, a former congressman who served as a Republican, later changed to independent, and switched to the Democratic Party last year.
What’s next
These were closed primaries, meaning only registered Republicans and Democrats participated. Independents and unaffiliated voters will be able to weigh in during the November general election, where many of these winners will face off in contests that could shape statewide and federal representation from Florida.
Reporting note
NPR’s coverage included reporting from Catherine Welch in Orlando, and several race calls were reported by the Associated Press. As results continue to be certified, vote totals and official outcomes may be updated.