Election day is Tuesday, November 3 - 7 days away.
DEMOCRAT
David Jolly
Former U.S. representative (2014 to 2017) who left the Republican Party and now runs as a Democrat; NBC and MSNBC political commentator. source
REPUBLICAN
Byron Donalds
U.S. representative from Florida and a school choice advocate, backed by President Trump. source
Where they differ
Only issues they disagree on. Each position is something the candidate said, voted for or published, linked to where.
Property taxes (Amendment 3)
JOLLY
Opposes Amendment 3, saying the math does not work; wants alternatives such as local control of homestead exemptions or relief aimed at first-time homebuyers. source
DONALDS
Says taxpayers need relief and that local governments must live within the means of taxpayers. source
Private school choice and school rules
JOLLY
Says any school taking public money should follow the same rules as public schools; wants much higher public school spending and teacher pay. source
DONALDS
Would continue expanding school choice and supports bonus pay for top performing teachers. source
Data centers
JOLLY
Would issue an executive order delaying construction of large data centers for one year, and would not rule out a permanent ban. source
DONALDS
Supports data centers if they follow Florida law and leaves zoning and permitting to local governments. source
Immigration enforcement
JOLLY
Would undo the DeSantis mandate that local police cooperate with federal immigration enforcement and review existing agreements. source
DONALDS
Supports DeSantis's approach and would keep state and local police working with federal authorities. source
Medicaid expansion
JOLLY
Supports expanding Medicaid, which Florida has not done. source
DONALDS
Opposes Medicaid expansion; wants price transparency and fraud prevention. source
Home insurance
JOLLY
Proposes a state-run catastrophe fund for hurricane and wind coverage, which he says would cut premiums by 60% to 70%. source
DONALDS
Calls that plan socialism and backs tort reform to reduce fraudulent claims. source
Latest polling
University of North Florida Public Opinion Research Lab (Oct 12-19, 2026, 1,471 likely voters, +/-2.81): Donalds 49%, Jolly 47%. source
Florida right now
How the state is doing going into the vote, from the people who count it.
JOBLESS RATE
4.4%
US: 4.2%
September 2026, seasonally adjusted, preliminary. Source: BLS
