As the 2023 gubernatorial election in Florida draws closer, several candidates have emerged to compete for the position of the state's top executive. This election will determine who will succeed the current Governor, Ron DeSantis, who is seeking re-election. With a vibrant political landscape and a diverse range of candidates, the race for Florida's governorship promises to be captivating and consequential.
The candidates in the running for Florida's governorship in 2023 represent a wide spectrum of political ideologies and backgrounds. The Democratic Party has put forth several contenders, including Charlie Crist, a former Republican governor who switched to the Democratic Party in 2012, and Nikki Fried, the current Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services. On the Republican side, Governor DeSantis is facing a primary challenge from several candidates, including State Representative Anthony Sabatini and businessman Luis Miguel, Jr.
As the election approaches, the candidates will engage in vigorous campaigning, vying for the support of Florida's diverse electorate. They will have the opportunity to present their platforms, address pressing issues facing the state, and lay out their visions for Florida's future. With an extensive list of candidates and a wide range of policy positions, this election is likely to generate considerable debate and discussion among Floridians.
Who is running for Florida Governor 2023?
Florida's gubernatorial race heats up.
- Charlie Crist (Democrat)
- Nikki Fried (Democrat)
- Ron DeSantis (Republican)
- Anthony Sabatini (Republican)
- Luis Miguel, Jr. (Republican)
- More candidates possible
- Election in November 2023
Stay tuned for election updates.
Charlie Crist (Democrat)
Charlie Crist, a prominent figure in Florida politics, is seeking the Democratic nomination for governor in 2023. With a long history of public service, Crist aims to unseat the incumbent Republican Governor, Ron DeSantis.
- Political Experience:
Crist served as the 44th Governor of Florida from 2007 to 2011. Prior to that, he held positions as a state senator, education commissioner, and attorney general.
- Party Switch:
Crist initially ran for governor as a Republican but left the party in 2012, citing ideological differences. He has since aligned himself with the Democratic Party and its platform.
- Platform:
Crist's campaign focuses on several key issues, including education, healthcare, and environmental protection. He proposes increased funding for public schools, expanding access to affordable healthcare, and implementing policies to address climate change.
- Challenges:
Crist faces the challenge of running against an incumbent governor with a strong base of support. Additionally, he must appeal to both moderate and progressive voters within the Democratic Party to secure the nomination.
As the Democratic primary race unfolds, Crist aims to position himself as the strongest candidate to challenge Governor DeSantis in the general election.
Nikki Fried (Democrat)
Nikki Fried, Florida's current Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services, is a rising star in the Democratic Party and a strong contender for the gubernatorial nomination in 2023.
Political Experience:
Fried's political career began in 2018 when she was elected to her current position as Commissioner of Agriculture. Prior to that, she served as the Public Defender for the 4th Judicial Circuit of Florida, representing indigent clients in criminal cases.
Platform:
Fried's campaign centers on several key issues, including environmental protection, consumer advocacy, and healthcare affordability. She proposes ambitious plans to address climate change, expand access to solar energy, and protect Florida's natural resources. Additionally, she aims to lower healthcare costs, improve education, and support Florida's agricultural industry.
Challenges:
Fried faces the challenge of running against more established candidates in the Democratic primary, including Charlie Crist. Additionally, she must appeal to a broad range of voters, from progressives to moderates, to secure the nomination.
Uniqueness:
As the only statewide elected Democrat in Florida, Fried brings a unique perspective and a strong record of accomplishment to the race. She has been a vocal critic of Governor DeSantis' policies and has positioned herself as a champion of environmental protection and consumer rights.
Nikki Fried's campaign aims to galvanize Democratic voters and position her as the strongest candidate to challenge Governor DeSantis in the general election.
Ron DeSantis (Republican)
Ron DeSantis, the incumbent Republican governor of Florida, is seeking re-election in 2023. A rising star in the Republican Party, DeSantis has gained national attention for his conservative policies and his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Political Experience:
DeSantis' political career began in 2012 when he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Florida's 6th congressional district. He served in Congress for three terms before being elected governor in 2018.
Platform:
DeSantis' platform is rooted in conservative principles, emphasizing limited government, individual liberty, and free markets. He has focused on issues such as tax cuts, school choice, and immigration enforcement. DeSantis has also taken a strong stance against COVID-19 restrictions, opposing mask mandates and vaccine requirements.
Challenges:
DeSantis faces a primary challenge from several candidates, including State Representative Anthony Sabatini and businessman Luis Miguel, Jr. However, he is considered the heavy favorite to win the Republican nomination. In the general election, DeSantis will likely face a strong challenge from the Democratic nominee, either Charlie Crist or Nikki Fried.
National Ambitions:
DeSantis is seen as a potential contender for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024. His popularity among Republican voters and his strong fundraising能力 make him a formidable candidate. A successful re-election campaign in 2023 would further boost his national profile and position him as a leading figure in the Republican Party.
Ron DeSantis' re-election campaign will be closely watched as a barometer of the Republican Party's strength in Florida and a potential indicator of his future presidential ambitions.
Anthony Sabatini (Republican)
Anthony Sabatini is a conservative Republican state representative from Florida who is challenging Governor Ron DeSantis in the 2023 Republican primary.
- Political Experience:
Sabatini was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2018. He has gained attention for his outspoken views and his support for former President Donald Trump.
- Platform:
Sabatini's platform is based on conservative principles, emphasizing individual liberty, limited government, and free markets. He supports gun rights, school choice, and lower taxes. Sabatini has also taken a strong stance against COVID-19 restrictions and vaccine mandates.
- Challenges:
Sabatini faces an uphill battle in the Republican primary, as Governor DeSantis is a popular and well-funded incumbent. Additionally, Sabatini's far-right views may alienate some Republican voters.
- Long-Term Ambitions:
Despite the odds, Sabatini is running a spirited campaign and hopes to use the primary race to raise his profile and position himself for future political opportunities.
Anthony Sabatini's candidacy in the 2023 Florida gubernatorial race is a reflection of the growing divide within the Republican Party between the traditional establishment and the more populist, Trump-aligned wing.
Luis Miguel, Jr. (Republican)
Luis Miguel, Jr. is a Republican businessman and political newcomer who is challenging Governor Ron DeSantis in the 2023 Republican primary.
Background:
Miguel is the son of a Cuban immigrant and grew up in a working-class family in Miami. He started his own business, a construction company, at a young age and has been successful in the private sector.
Platform:
Miguel's platform focuses on economic growth, job creation, and education reform. He proposes cutting taxes, reducing regulations, and investing in infrastructure to create a more favorable business environment in Florida. Miguel also supports school choice and vocational education to improve the state's education system.
Challenges:
Miguel faces long odds in the Republican primary against Governor DeSantis, who is a well-known and popular incumbent. Additionally, Miguel has limited political experience and name recognition compared to DeSantis.
Political Ambitions:
Despite the challenges, Miguel is running a積極 campaign and hopes to use the primary race to raise his profile and position himself for future political opportunities. He believes that his business experience and outsider status make him a viable alternative to DeSantis.
Luis Miguel, Jr.'s candidacy in the 2023 Florida gubernatorial race is a reflection of the growing desire among some Republican voters for new leadership and a change in direction.
More candidates possible
In addition to the major candidates mentioned above, there is a possibility of other candidates entering the race for Florida governor in 2023.
- Independent Candidates:
Independent candidates, not affiliated with a major political party, may choose to run for governor. They must meet certain requirements, such as collecting a sufficient number of signatures from registered voters, to qualify for the ballot.
- Write-In Candidates:
Voters can also cast write-in votes for candidates who are not listed on the ballot. Write-in candidates must file a declaration of candidacy with the state and meet other requirements.
- Other Party Candidates:
Candidates from minor political parties, such as the Libertarian Party or the Green Party, may also run for governor. These parties must meet certain criteria, such as having a certain number of registered voters, to be recognized by the state.
- New Candidates Emerging:
New candidates may emerge in the race as the election approaches. This could include individuals who have not previously held elected office or who have recently gained public attention.
The possibility of additional candidates entering the race adds an element of uncertainty to the 2023 Florida gubernatorial election. It is possible that new candidates could shake up the dynamics of the race and make it more competitive.
Election in November 2023
The 2023 Florida gubernatorial election will be held on Tuesday, November 7, 2023. This is the same day as the general election for other statewide offices, such as the Florida Cabinet and the Florida Legislature.
Primary Elections:
Major party candidates (Democrat and Republican) will be chosen through primary elections held on August 29, 2023. In the primary elections, voters from each party will select their preferred candidate to run in the general election.
General Election:
The general election will be held on November 7, 2023. All registered Florida voters will be eligible to vote in the general election, regardless of their party affiliation. The candidate who receives the most votes in the general election will be elected governor.
Importance of the Election:
The 2023 Florida gubernatorial election is significant because the governor has a great deal of power and influence in the state. The governor is responsible for signing or vetoing laws, appointing state officials, and managing the state budget. The governor also plays a key role in promoting economic development and tourism in Florida.
The 2023 Florida gubernatorial election is expected to be a closely watched race, with both major parties fielding strong candidates. The outcome of the election will have a significant impact on the direction of Florida's government for the next four years.
FAQ
Got questions about the 2023 Florida gubernatorial election? Here are some frequently asked questions and answers:
Question 1: Who is running for Florida governor in 2023?
Answer: The major candidates running for Florida governor in 2023 are Charlie Crist (Democrat), Nikki Fried (Democrat), Ron DeSantis (Republican), Anthony Sabatini (Republican), and Luis Miguel, Jr. (Republican). More candidates may enter the race before the August 29 primary elections.
Question 2: When is the election?
Answer: The general election for Florida governor will be held on Tuesday, November 7, 2023.
Question 3: How can I register to vote?
Answer: You can register to vote online, by mail, or in person at your local supervisor of elections office. The deadline to register to vote in the 2023 Florida gubernatorial election is October 10, 2023.
Question 4: What are the key issues in the election?
Answer: The key issues in the election include education, healthcare, the environment, and the economy. Candidates have different positions on these issues, so it's important to research and compare their platforms before making a decision.
Question 5: How can I find out more about the candidates?
Answer: You can find information about the candidates' backgrounds, platforms, and positions on the issues by visiting their campaign websites, reading news articles and editorials, and watching debates and forums.
Question 6: How can I vote?
Answer: You can vote in person on Election Day, November 7, 2023, or you can vote by mail. If you choose to vote by mail, you must request a mail-in ballot from your local supervisor of elections office. The deadline to request a mail-in ballot is October 24, 2023.
Question 7: What happens after the election?
Answer: After the election, the results will be certified and the winning candidate will be sworn into office in January 2024.
Closing Paragraph:
These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about the 2023 Florida gubernatorial election. For more information, please visit the Florida Division of Elections website or contact your local supervisor of elections office.
As the election approaches, stay informed about the candidates and the issues by following reputable news sources and attending candidate forums and debates. Make sure you are registered to vote and have a plan for how you will cast your ballot on Election Day.
Tips
Here are some practical tips for Florida voters in the 2023 gubernatorial election:
Tip 1: Register to vote early.
The deadline to register to vote in the 2023 Florida gubernatorial election is October 10, 2023. Don't wait until the last minute to register. You can register online, by mail, or in person at your local supervisor of elections office.
Tip 2: Research the candidates and the issues.
Take some time to learn about the candidates' backgrounds, platforms, and positions on the issues. This will help you make an informed decision on Election Day. You can find information about the candidates from their campaign websites, news articles and editorials, and debates and forums.
Tip 3: Make a plan for voting.
Decide whether you will vote in person on Election Day, November 7, 2023, or if you will vote by mail. If you choose to vote by mail, request a mail-in ballot from your local supervisor of elections office as soon as possible. The deadline to request a mail-in ballot is October 24, 2023.
Tip 4: Get involved in the election process.
There are many ways to get involved in the election process beyond just voting. You can volunteer for a candidate's campaign, attend candidate forums and debates, and encourage your friends and family to vote. The more involved you are, the more impact you can have on the outcome of the election.
Closing Paragraph:
By following these tips, you can ensure that you are informed, prepared, and ready to participate in the 2023 Florida gubernatorial election.
Remember, your vote matters. Make sure you exercise your right to vote and have your voice heard in this important election.
Conclusion
The 2023 Florida gubernatorial election is shaping up to be a significant and competitive race. With a diverse field of candidates and a wide range of issues at stake, the outcome of the election will have a major impact on the future of Florida.
Voters will have the opportunity to choose between candidates with different backgrounds, experiences, and policy positions. It is important for voters to research the candidates and the issues carefully before making a decision.
The election will also be a test of Florida's election laws and procedures. Recent changes to voting laws have raised concerns about potential voter suppression. It is important for voters to be aware of these changes and to make sure they are able to cast their ballots without any problems.
Closing Message:
The 2023 Florida gubernatorial election is an opportunity for voters to make their voices heard and to shape the future of their state. By participating in the election, voters can help to ensure that Florida remains a vibrant and prosperous state for all.