Key 2026 Midterm Races to Watch for Haitian American Voters in Florida
From the governor's race to the contest replacing Rep. Frederica Wilson, several Florida elections could shape immigration policy and representation, The Haitian Times reports.
Florida's 2026 midterm races carry particular weight for Haitian American voters, with an estimated 870,000 Haitian Americans living in the state, especially in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Orange, Osceola and St. Lucie counties, according to The Haitian Times.
The race to replace term-limited Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis pits Republican U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, a Trump ally who has aligned with the president's immigration agenda, against Democrat David Jolly, a former Republican congressman who has campaigned on affordability, public education and a different immigration approach. The Haitian Times notes the next governor would have authority over state agencies and Florida's cooperation with federal immigration authorities, but cannot independently restore federal TPS protections.
In a special election for the U.S. Senate seat once held by Marco Rubio, Democrat Angie Nixon faces Republican Ashley Moody, who was appointed by DeSantis and leads in recent polls by about 4-6 points. Nixon, a Jacksonville state representative, upset Alex Vindman in the August primary.
In Florida's 24th Congressional District, which includes Little Haiti, retiring Democratic Rep. Frederica Wilson's seat is contested between Democrat Oliver Gilbert III and Republican Te Mayonna Brown in the Nov. 3 general election. Wilson has been a prominent advocate for Haitian communities.