ORLANDO, Fla. \u2013 Florida\u2019s race for governor is beginning to take clearer shape, with major developments emerging on both sides of the aisle.<\/p>\n
Governor\u2019s race takes shape as Demings exits, running mate rumors for Jolly swirl<\/p>\n
WATCH ABOVE @ 2:30-13:00<\/p>\n
On the Democratic side, former Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings has suspended his campaign after revealing he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. The announcement removes one of the party\u2019s highest-profile candidates from the race and leaves former Congressman David Jolly as the clear frontrunner for the Democratic nomination.<\/p>\n
At the same time, speculation is mounting over who could join Jolly on the ticket.<\/p>\n
Former U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham has emerged as a potential running mate after she was publicly introduced as Jolly\u2019s prospective lieutenant governor pick during a June 7 church service in Tallahassee. Graham attended the service with her husband, Steve Hurm, and was seated near Jolly senior adviser Gayle Andrews, fueling further speculation.<\/p>\n
Despite the growing buzz, Jolly\u2019s campaign has not confirmed any decision, saying only, \u201cWe don\u2019t have anything to announce at this time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Graham is no stranger to statewide politics. The daughter of former Florida Governor and U.S. Senator Bob Graham previously sought the governor\u2019s mansion herself in 2018 but lost the Democratic primary to Andrew Gillum.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, on the Republican side, Congressman Byron Donalds continues to project confidence as he works to secure his party\u2019s nomination.<\/p>\n
Donalds says he is unconcerned by continued criticism from Governor Ron DeSantis and the governor\u2019s refusal to endorse him. Donalds suggested lingering tensions may stem from the 2024 presidential race, when he backed President Donald Trump instead of DeSantis.<\/p>\n
Even so, Donalds has praised DeSantis\u2019 record in office, arguing that the administration\u2019s accomplishments speak for themselves.<\/p>\n
The congressman also points to polling that he says shows him approaching fifty percent support among Republican primary voters, a sign he believes his campaign is gaining momentum.<\/p>\n
Following Demings\u2019 withdrawal from the race, Donalds wasted little time framing the contest as a two-person battle. In a post on X, he declared that \u201cthe general election starts today\u201d and argued that the contrast between himself and Jolly \u201ccould not be more stark.\u201d<\/p>\n
With the Democratic field narrowing and Republicans beginning to sharpen their message, Florida\u2019s 2026 governor\u2019s race is entering a new phase \u2014 one that could soon feature a finalized Democratic ticket and an increasingly heated showdown between the state\u2019s leading contenders.<\/p>\n
Property tax proposal raises questions<\/p>\n
WATCH ABOVE @ 13:25 – 19:40<\/p>\n
Another major topic on this week\u2019s episode is Governor DeSantis\u2019 proposed constitutional amendment aimed at dramatically expanding Florida\u2019s homestead exemption.<\/p>\n
Under the proposal, the homestead exemption would increase to $150,000 in 2027 before rising again to $250,000 in 2028. While schools would be shielded from the revenue impacts, local governments would not.<\/p>\n
County governments, cities, and special districts could face significant reductions in property tax revenue, prompting warnings from local officials, fiscal analysts, and lawmakers.<\/p>\n
Critics argue the proposal could strain local government budgets, threaten funding for public services, and create uncertainty surrounding local bond repayment obligations.<\/p>\n
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano has expressed concern that the proposal does not address outstanding bond debt, while House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell warns local governments could ultimately be forced to reduce services.<\/p>\n
Municipal bond analyst John Mousseau has also cautioned that credit-rating agencies may view the proposal negatively if it weakens local governments\u2019 financial outlook.<\/p>\n
Legal challenges may be ahead<\/p>\n
Beyond fiscal concerns, questions remain about whether the proposal can withstand legal scrutiny.<\/p>\n
Former state senator Jeff Brandes argues the measure raises several constitutional and legal issues, including ballot language concerns, equal protection questions, constitutional uniformity requirements, home rule authority, and potential unfunded mandates.<\/p>\n
State Rep. Toby Overdorf notes that because the proposal is a constitutional amendment rather than a traditional bill, it follows a different legal path.<\/p>\n
No lawsuits have been filed so far, but many observers expect legal challenges once the proposal advances.<\/p>\n
Under Florida law, any challenge to the ballot language of a legislatively referred constitutional amendment must be filed within 30 days after it is submitted to the Secretary of State. The proposal was released May 27.<\/p>\n
If a court determines there are problems with the ballot language, the Attorney General would have the authority to revise the wording before voters see it on the ballot.<\/p>\n
Redistricting case could have major consequences<\/p>\n
WATCH ABOVE @ 19:45- 22:00<\/p>\n
The podcast also examines a potentially landmark court fight over Florida\u2019s congressional map.<\/p>\n
Attorneys representing the Florida House are opposing efforts to block the state\u2019s current congressional districts ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Their argument centers on whether Florida\u2019s voter-approved Fair Districts Amendment conflicts with more recent federal court rulings involving race-based redistricting.<\/p>\n
Approved by voters in 2010, the Fair Districts Amendment prohibits both partisan and racial gerrymandering.<\/p>\n
If the Florida Supreme Court ultimately agrees with House attorneys and invalidates the amendment, the consequences could extend far beyond congressional districts. Legal experts say such a ruling could open the door to mid-decade redistricting of Florida House and Senate districts as well.<\/p>\n
Voting-rights groups and Democratic attorneys maintain that the amendment remains valid and argue broader constitutional questions should be addressed after the upcoming election cycle.<\/p>\n
Republican lawmakers and state attorneys have already filed briefs ahead of an expected Florida Supreme Court ruling.<\/p>\n
Opponents of the current congressional map contend it violates the Fair Districts Amendment and could help Republicans gain as many as four additional seats in Florida\u2019s congressional delegation.<\/p>\n
In one of the most closely watched developments in the case, attorneys representing the Republican-led House recently asked the court to declare the Fair Districts Amendment unconstitutional in its entirety.<\/p>\n
With the governor\u2019s race beginning to crystallize, a property tax proposal generating intense debate, and a redistricting battle carrying statewide implications, Florida\u2019s political landscape is poised for a consequential and potentially historic year.<\/p>\n
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