As Florida moves into the final weeks before the November 2026 General Election, voters will decide three proposed constitutional amendments while also selecting a Governor, Cabinet officers, members of Congress, and state legislators. The results will shape public policy in Tallahassee and Washington for years to come.
For the Florida RV Trade Association, the stakes extend beyond partisan politics. Decisions made by elected officials influence transportation infrastructure, tourism promotion, outdoor recreation, disaster recovery, workforce development, taxation, land use policy, and economic development efforts that directly affect RV dealers, campgrounds, manufacturers, suppliers, and consumers throughout Florida.
Florida remains one of the nation’s fastest growing states and continues to be a major destination for RV travelers. As population growth continues to accelerate, the state’s political decisions will have a lasting impact on the future of the RV industry.
National Political Environment
The national environment remains challenging for Republicans seeking to buck historical mid-term trends as Election Day approaches. Democrats continue to hold an advantage on most generic congressional ballot averages, and much of the national political conversation continues to revolve around President Trump’s job approval ratings and voter attitudes toward the administration.
Historically, the party controlling the White House faces headwinds during midterm elections. While Republicans remain competitive nationally, Democratic enthusiasm and fundraising have remained strong throughout much of 2026.
Florida, however, continues to be one of the Republican Party’s strongest states. Republicans maintain a 1.5 million voter registration advantage and have consistently outperformed national trends in recent election cycles. This structural advantage continues to provide an important firewall against national political headwinds.
For Florida businesses, including members of the RV industry, the more important takeaway is that Florida’s elections will largely be driven by state specific issues such as property taxes, insurance, transportation infrastructure, growth management, economic development, and public safety.
Statewide Races Taking Shape
United States Senate
Republican incumbent Ashley Moody faces Democrat Angie Nixon and no party affiliation candidate Neil J. Gillespie in Florida’s U.S. Senate race.
Governor
Republican Byron Donalds faces Democrat David Jolly in one of the nation’s most closely watched gubernatorial elections.
Donalds enters the race with strong support among Republican voters and has successfully consolidated much of the party establishment. Jolly continues to position himself as a centrist alternative focused on insurance issues, affordability, and government accountability.
The outcome will determine the direction of Florida government following Governor Ron DeSantis’ administration and will have significant implications for future legislative priorities.
Attorney General
Attorney General James Uthmeier faces former state representative Jose Javier Rodriguez.
The Attorney General’s office plays an increasingly important role in litigation, regulatory enforcement, consumer protection, and business issues affecting companies across Florida.
Chief Financial Officer
Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia faces former legislator Annette Taddeo.
Given Florida’s continued focus on insurance market stability and disaster preparedness, the CFO race remains particularly important for businesses and property owners statewide.
Commissioner of Agriculture
Commissioner Wilton Simpson seeks election against Joey Mendoza Atkins.
As Florida continues to focus on agricultural policy, water management, land conservation, and rural economic development, this race remains important for many industries connected to Florida’s outdoor economy.
Legislative Landscape
Republicans are expected to maintain control of both the Florida House and Senate following the election.
The primary question is whether Democrats can gain enough seats to reduce Republican supermajorities in either chamber. Democrats continue to focus resources in parts of Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, Tampa Bay, and Central Florida where population growth and demographic change have created more competitive districts.
For the RV industry, legislative leadership elections occurring after the general election may ultimately prove just as important as the election results themselves, as committee chairs and legislative leaders determine which bills receive consideration during the 2027 Session.
Regional Political Updates
Region 1: Southwest Florida
Congressional District 19
The open race to succeed Byron Donalds in Congress is one of Southwest Florida’s most significant contests. The outcome will shape federal representation for one of Florida’s fastest growing regions as Donalds’ gubernatorial campaign leaves open one of the state’s most influential congressional seats. Southwest Florida continues to experience explosive population growth. Federal transportation funding, disaster recovery resources, and infrastructure investment will play a major role in supporting that growth.
Florida Senate District 28
Republican Lauren Melo and Democrat David Silverberg are running for the open seat held by term limited Senate President Kathleen Passidomo. The district covers Collier and Hendry counties and eastern Lee County.
Region 2: Southeast Florida
Congressional District 25
Representative Jared Moskowitz faces one of the most competitive congressional races in Florida. The district has become increasingly favorable to Republicans while Moskowitz remains one of their most electorally resilient Democrats in the state. The outcome could influence the overall makeup of Florida’s congressional delegation.
House District 106
Representative Fabian Basabe continues to face strong opposition in Miami Beach. Miami Dade County remains one of the state’s most politically dynamic regions.
Region 3: Tampa Bay Area
Congressional District 14
Representative Kathy Castor faces former Representative Mike Beltran in a race attracting substantial national attention. National Republicans consider this one of their most realistic congressional pickup opportunities in Florida.
House District 64
Republican Dan Weldon is seeking to flip a seat previously held by Susan Valdés. The race is expected to be competitive and will be closely watched by both parties for an opportunity for a legislative pickup in the Tampa Bay region.
Region 4: Orlando and Space Coast
Congressional District 9
Representative Darren Soto continues to defend one of the most closely watched congressional districts in Florida. Republicans believe newly drawn district boundaries create a realistic pickup opportunity.
House District 38
Emily Duda Buckley faces attorney Nik Dean in Seminole County. Seminole County continues to be a key suburban battleground and often serves as an indicator of broader trends in Central Florida.
Region 5: Western Panhandle
Congressional District 2
Republican Austin Rogers and Democrat Amanda Green are running for the open seat being vacated by Rep. Neal Dunn. While Republicans enter the race with an advantage, Democrats have identified the open seat as a potential opportunity and are expected to compete aggressively.
Region 6: Northeast Florida
Congressional District 4
Representative Aaron Bean continues to be an influential member of Florida’s congressional delegation. Northeast Florida remains one of the state’s most important economic and transportation hubs.
Region 7: North Central Florida
Congressional District 3
Representative Kat Cammack remains one of Florida’s most visible members of Congress and a prominent national conservative voice. The district provides stability and continuity in federal representation for much of North Central Florida.
Building Our Relationship with Byron Donalds
Jones Walker recently hosted a successful fundraiser luncheon for gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds, bringing together business and community leaders for a candid discussion on Florida’s future. As the race continues to take shape, our team remains actively engaged in understanding how Rep. Donalds would approach governing, the policy priorities he may pursue, and the individuals who could play key roles in his administration. We were especially grateful for the opportunity to have meaningful conversations with Rep. Donalds, including valuable discussions informed by Ben Hirsch’s insights on issues impacting Florida’s RV industry. These conversations help ensure we remain at the forefront of the political and policy developments that matter most to our clients.
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Campers Inn COO Ben Hirsch meets with Rep. Byron Donalds
Supporting the Industry’s Voice
As election season enters its final stretch, it is important for FRVTA members to remain informed and engaged. Policymakers at every level of government make decisions that directly affect Florida’s RV industry, including transportation infrastructure, tourism promotion, workforce development, business regulation, and outdoor recreation opportunities.
FRVTA’s advocacy efforts help ensure lawmakers understand the substantial economic impact the RV industry has on Florida’s economy. Through continued engagement with elected officials and candidates, the Association remains well positioned to advocate for policies that support growth, tourism, small businesses, campgrounds, dealers, manufacturers, and the thousands of Floridians employed by the industry.
Thank you for your continued membership, engagement, and support of Florida’s RV industry.
Andres Malave
Director, Government Relations
D: 850.214.5145
amalave@joneswalker.com<mailto:amalave@joneswalker.com>