Florida’s Governor Race Gains Steam — Southwest Florida Voters Take Notice

As the 2026 election cycle looms, Florida’s gubernatorial contest is moving from the sidelines into full view — and residents in Southwest Florida are watching closely. With incumbent Ron DeSantis term-limited and unable to run again, the field of potential successors is growing more crowded — and more competitive.

A Congressman from Naples in the Lead

One of the most closely watched contenders is Byron Donalds, the U.S. Representative whose district covers parts of Naples and Bonita Springs. Backed by Donald Trump, Donalds appears to have gained early momentum, putting him in a strong position heading into the Republican primary. His local ties give his campaign extra weight here in Collier County, where voters often take state leadership seriously because of how policies on insurance, growth, and infrastructure impact the region.

Rivals Make Their Moves

But Donalds doesn’t have a clear lane yet. Former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner is staking out an identity focused on parental rights, health freedom, and appealing to grassroots GOP voters — including in Naples during his recent visit. On the Democratic side, Jerry Demings, current mayor of Orange County, opened a campaign account last month, signaling a serious bid from the left. And in the background, other names are emerging and fundraising is already ramping up.

Local Issues Could Tilt the Race

For Southwest Florida voters, this is not just about statewide ambition — it’s about how the next governor addresses region-specific pain points. Things like homeowners’ insurance rates, property tax burdens, flood and hurricane resilience, infrastructure for growth, and healthcare access are at the forefront here. Candidates who engage with those issues — and deliver solutions that resonate locally — will likely earn attention (and votes) in places like Naples.

With the election set for November 2026 and primaries ahead, the next few months will be telling. Fundraising totals, endorsements, polling shifts, and local campaign stops will start to separate serious contenders from long-shots. For voters, early engagement matters; for local businesses and institutions, aligning with campaigns or preparing for policy shifts may start happening now.

What Southwest Florida Should Keep Tabs On

Residents and stakeholders in Naples and Collier County should monitor how each candidate plans to approach coastal growth, insurance and real-estate costs, disaster recovery funding, environmental protections (everglades and wetland issues), and healthcare access in a region with many retirees. A governor who understands these local dynamics could have a real impact regionally.

Looking Ahead

The governor’s race may not dominate headlines every day yet, but the pieces are moving. Local endorsements, campaign stops in the region, polling data and fundraising — all are building momentum. For Naples and the broader Southwest Florida region, taking an early look at who’s likely to lead the state and how they intend to serve the region offers an advantage.