A Dozen Florida Political Car Wrecks You Won’t Be Able to Avoid in 2026
Key takeaways
- 12 major Florida political storylines are anticipated to collide in 2026, with leadership, policy, and ethics under scrutiny.
- DeSantis’ endgame may feature unconventional appointments and multiple special sessions between now and his exit.
- Budget fights will intensify House–Senate tensions, signaling a shift in how priorities are negotiated.
- Policy battles around property taxes and marijuana legalization will redefine state governance approaches.
- Gubernatorial and CFO primaries will shape Florida’s political landscape long after 2026 begins.
A not-so-lame-duck Ron DeSantis
If anyone expects DeSantis to wind down quietly, they haven’t been paying attention. He’s likely to stay active until his final day, with a non-zero chance of multiple Special Sessions before exit.
Unlike Scott, his endgame could be idiosyncratic, highlighted by controversial moves such as Urban Meyer’s appointment to the Board of Trustees at New College of Florida. Critics and allies may debate long after the term expires.
Bottom line: late-stage appointments may depend less on résumés than on the political choreography around the dance floor at a sports bar.
No. 2: @RonDeSantis
DeSantis is highly online, shaped by an army of digital followers. Policy declarations land on X alongside personal musings, signaling governance through social media as a growing pattern.
His focus on artificial intelligence appears positioned as a potential 2028 foil to JD Vance, with Florida debated as the setting for a culture-war contest that sounds louder than it feels human.
No. 3: The property tax debate
While a property-tax cut or abolishment sounds appealing to some, most analyses warn it could erode local government capacity. The Legislature will likely weigh a ballot question against the need to preserve essential services.
Any ballot move risks unintended consequences; a California-like Prop 13 framework could be politically seductive but damaging to funding for cities and counties.
No. 4: The DeSantis-Uthmeier war on weed
DeSantis and James Uthmeier have fought marijuana legalization, diverting resources to defeat it. With new industry players and White House attention, the legalization push is back, well-funded and prepared for a bare-knuckle battle.
The question remains: how far will the Governor and his Chief of Staff go to keep the issue off the ballot or downplay its momentum?
No. 5: The 2026 Legislative Session
Expectation is a demolition derby—the House-Senate feud is intense, and mutual distrust is high. A final budget is likely, but achieved through rounds of pressure and deliberate standoffs, with rural and fiscal priorities clashing.
No. 6: The Florida Men and Women retreating from D.C.
The exodus of high-profile Florida figures from Washington continues, signaling a broader trend of Florida’s political class rethinking federal roles. The impact on policy coherence and national influence remains to be seen.
No. 7: Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick
A federal indictment alleging misused disaster-relief funds raises questions about leadership roles and credibility. Leadership pulled her ranking-member gavel, while local and primary dynamics shift toward a reset in a district that’s traditionally competitive for Democrats.
No. 8: Cory Mills
Facing multiple controversies and an ethics scrutiny vote, Mills contends with a challenging path forward. Critics warn of a damaging cycle of negative headlines that could outlast political defenses.
No. 9: María Elvira Salazar
Salazar’s stance on immigration has shifted as federal policy actions unfold. Her district’s voters watch for consistency between campaign rhetoric and policy governance, especially on humanitarian and enforcement themes.
No. 10: James Fishback
Fishback’s candidacy has drawn attention for its provocative rhetoric. Critics view it as a reflection of a broader segment of the electorate comfortable with extreme messaging, while others see it as a publicity stunt with real political risks.
No. 11: The GOP Primary for Chief Financial Officer
In a high-stakes race, Blaise Ingoglia carries the Governor’s backing, while Kevin Steele runs a resilient campaign. The math favors Ingoglia, but a negative-leaning strategy from Steele could shift the outcome in a surprising way.
No. 12: The Democratic Primary for Governor
David Jolly and Jerry Demings face off in a race that’s likely to grab headlines but may hinge on registration gaps and fundraising dynamics. The winner will confront an entrenched GOP majority and a challenging electoral map.
Source: https://floridapolitics.com/archives/771586-a-dozen-florida-political-car-wrecks-you-wont-be-able-to-avoid-in-2026/
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