Florida Election: Final Weekend Pushes Ahead of Tuesday Vote
Gubernatorial rivals David Jolly and Byron Donalds targeted turnout and taxes in separate rallies, while voters prepare for a day of contests including a key Senate race and a local marina referendum.
By Malik Salazar ·
With early voting concluding on Sunday, the Florida gubernatorial race entered its final phase as candidates scrambled to mobilize supporters before the polls close on Tuesday. The stakes extend beyond the governor's office, encompassing a contested U.S. Senate seat and a local environmental decision in Miami.
Democratic candidate David Jolly addressed a crowd in Coral Gables on Sunday, positioning his campaign around the "Believe in Better" tour. Accompanied by running mate Gwen Graham, Jolly outlined priorities in affordable housing, healthcare, education, and infrastructure. He argued that the outcome now hinges entirely on voter participation.
"The reality is, this race is going to get decided by who shows up on Tuesday now, and I love that we’re starting where we are going into Tuesday. But, we got to leave it all on the field, turn out every voter, and I know Byron’s going to try to do the same thing," Jolly said. "Ultimately, we’ll find out."
Republican Byron Donalds held a separate rally in Tampa on the same day, promoting his "Florida Dream" platform. He emphasized keeping taxes low, protecting property owners, and preserving the liberties that attract residents to the state. Donalds framed the election as a defense of the state's identity.
"This is why people come here. They come for the freedoms, the opportunity, the liberty. They come for the safe streets. They come for the limited government, the low taxes, and when it comes to your personal pockets, the no taxes. That’s why people come, and as your next governor, we are going to remain the free state of Florida," Donalds said.
Other major contests are proceeding in parallel. Democrat Angie Nixon made a final push in South Florida to unseat incumbent Republican Ashley Moody for the U.S. Senate. In the 27th congressional district, Republican Maria Elvira Salazar is defending her seat against Democrat Elliott Rodriguez.
In Miami, voters face Referendum 3 regarding a long-term lease for a marina development on Virginia Key. Opponents warn that the project requires dredging the bay bottom, which would eliminate seagrass, mangroves, wetland habitats, soft corals, and sponges. One opponent described the potential environmental damage as irreversible. Polls will open at 7 a.m. on Tuesday and close at 7 p.m., requiring voters to present valid identification with a signature and cast ballots at their assigned precincts.
