Florida Primary Election Underway with Over 1.8 Million Early Votes Cast
Florida's primary election is underway, with over 1.8 million Floridians already voting early or by mail. Voters in Tampa-St. Petersburg (Sarasota) will decide nominations for governor, U.S. Senate, and Congress, alongside local races for St. Petersburg mayor, City Council, and…
Tampa St. Petersburg, FL, August 18, 2026 —
Florida voters are heading to the polls for the state’s primary election, with a significant number already casting their ballots early or by mail. As of the latest reports, over 1.8 million Floridians have participated in early voting or returned their mail-in ballots.
The election will determine nominations for key statewide and federal offices, including governor and U.S. Senate, as well as U.S. House of Representatives seats. In the Tampa-St. Petersburg (Sarasota) region, voters will also be deciding on candidates for local positions such as St. Petersburg mayor, City Council, and County Commission.
This primary election occurs in the wake of a notable redrawing of Florida’s congressional districts. The redistricting effort, championed by Governor Ron DeSantis, has reshaped the political landscape and the representation for various areas, including Tampa and St. Petersburg.
Several local races across the Tampa Bay area are set to be finalized during this primary. Notably, four contests in the region are employing a universal primary system, meaning the winners will be determined on Tuesday, regardless of party affiliation, and will not appear on the general election ballot.
Story summarized from the original created by By Romy Ellenbogen, Times/Herald Tallahassee Bureau on www.tampabay.com, see more information here.
