Florida held its primary elections on August 18, 2026, delivering decisive results in two high-profile races. U.S. Representative Byron Donalds secured the Republican nomination for governor, positioning himself to succeed Ron DeSantis, while state Representative Angie Nixon defeated Alex Vindman in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate.

Donalds, a congressman and prominent Trump ally, won the Republican gubernatorial primary by a substantial margin. The race had been seen as a test of former President Trump's continued influence over the Republican base in Florida, a state he carried decisively in 2024. Donalds will now face Democratic nominee in the general election this November in what is expected to be a competitive statewide contest.

On the Democratic side, the Senate primary produced one of the night's biggest surprises. Angie Nixon, a democratic socialist and state legislator from Jacksonville, defeated Alex Vindman, the retired Army lieutenant colonel who gained national attention during the first impeachment proceedings against Donald Trump. Nixon's victory was seen as a significant win for the progressive wing of the Democratic Party in Florida. She will face Republican incumbent Ashley Moody in November.

Nixon's win over Vindman was viewed by political analysts as a sign of progressive energy within the Florida Democratic electorate, even as the party faces an uphill battle in a state that has trended Republican in recent election cycles. Axios noted the result carries implications for Democrats' midterm strategy in the state.

Both primaries drew significant national attention ahead of the November midterms, with Florida's governor and Senate seats considered key prizes in the broader battle for political control heading into 2027.