Even in the friendliest of election environments, Florida is an uphill battle for Democrats. But they believe 2026 will see everything come together. That was the vibe and the message at the Dolphin Democrats GOTV Center inside Tropics in Wilton Manors two days after a bruising primary season.
Lt. Gov. candidate Gwen Graham was the headliner. The former congresswoman is the running mate of David Jolly, looking to take the governor’s mansion for the first time this millennium.
“How do you possibly run on the continuation of today when so many people in Florida are really, really struggling,” she asked the crowd. Graham is the daughter of former senator and governor Bob Graham, and says that connection remains a core part of her experience.
“I have grown up with a front row seat to the best in leadership. I have grown up caring passionately for the people of Florida.”
Due to redistricting, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz is a candidate for FL-20, which is an open seat following Sheila Cherfluous-McCormick’s resignation. Schultz’s primary was tough, and she called on progressive Democrats to rally around the nominees.
“Let’s be clear, we cannot [advance the Democratic agenda] by sitting at a keyboard. Tweeting shade at old opponents will get us nowhere. Facebook fights with fellow Democrats only help Republicans.”
Others at the rally include State House candidates Todd Delmay, who is trying to flip state house district 101, and Michael Ferguson, trying to flip district 100, which is open due to Chip LaMarca being term-limited.
“This open seat in coastal Broward County is the spear point of the fight to break the do-nothing republican super-majority in Tallahassee,” Ferguson told the crowd.
Also in attendance was Nicole Locklin, congressional candidate for the newly redrawn district 26 as well as statewide candidates Jose Javier Rodriquez (attorney general) and Annette Taddeo (CFO).
Democrats have only won a single statewide race since 2012 (Nikki Fried, Agriculture Commissioner, 2018). The general election is Nov. 3. Early voting runs Oct. 21 through Oct. 31. The last day to register is Oct. 5.
Screenshot via Greater Wilton Manors, YouTube.
