Less than a year before the Republican primary in the 2026 election, and just ten months after Ashley Moody accepted Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ appointment to the US Senate, Moody’s alternative, James Usmier, is already in support of the GOP nomination.
On X, the social media platform previously known as Twitter, Uthmeier announced today that 51 of Florida’s 67 sheriffs have already approved the 2026 campaign. The 2026 primary day is August 18, 2026, and Uthmeier is yet to face GOP opponents recognized by the majority of Republican voters across the state.
I am honored to have so many early support from Florida sheriffs as I head towards next year’s election.
Florida is the country’s safest and largest state to raise families due to its strict approach to crime against law enforcement. We have the best sheriff in the country! pic.twitter.com/kh2gqtzvva
– James Usmier (@jamesuthmeierfl) October 7, 2025
On the democratic side, a big favorite to win nominations is former state Sen. Jose Javier Rodriguez. Florida Democratic Chairman Nikki Fried will take a serious challenge to make it a close contest.
Florida’s latest attorney general was Bob Butterworth, who took office more than 20 years ago and resigned in late 2002 before the end of his term to run for Florida Senate. To avoid vacant Attorney General’s office, former Gov. Jeb Bush has appointed Republican Richard Dolan. Dolan was eventually replaced by then-Republican rising star Charlie Christ, who was elected in 2002 with Bush’s reelection.
