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Florida's Primary Election is August 18th
Progressives across the nation are working to educate and motivate voters for the 2026 midterms. Together, we hope to produce a massive blue wave that flips control of the U.S. House and Senate, providing a much-needed backstop to the remaining two years of Trump's anti-democratic regime. Voter turnout and strong DEM challengers are key. On August 18th, Florida Democrats and Republicans will hold party primaries and select their candidates for the November General Election. On the Beaches ballot are candidates vying to be their partys' standard-bearers for Governor, U.S. Senate, and U.S. Congressional District 5. Trump's ever-increasing unpopularity and competitive candidates could make this the year to break the GOP's stronghold in North Florida and stymie GOP efforts to gerrymander other parts of the state.
Your most important contribution? Make a plan to vote --- by mail, early, or on Election Day --- and remind like-minded friends and family to do the same!
Worried about election interference? Indivisible is organizing a 50 state election protection initiative to counter threats and ensure all eligible voters get to cast their ballot, and that those ballots get counted. While Blue States are particularly vulnerable, it pays to be aware and prepared, especially given Florida's efforts to rig the congressional map in 2026.
By signing up you’ll get notified of key voting deadlines, get updates on any threats to your voting rights and how to counter them, and be ready to mobilize in defense of your vote.
All Florida Voices Count!
Florida is a closed primary state --- only voters registered as DEMS or Republicans can vote for party candidates. But ALL voters --- including Independents --- can vote on August 18th in non-partisan races for School Board and local judges, as well as in a special election for a recently vacated at-large seat on the Jacksonville City Council. Remind your friends and family who are registered Independent or No Party Affiliation that they can vote in these important races too!
KEY PRIMARY ELECTION DATES
CHECK YOUR VOTER STATUS
BEACHES EARLY VOTING SITES
WHO CAN VOTE IN THE PRIMARY
DEMS & GOP Voters
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Elect party candidates for the November General Election.
ALL Voters (including Independents)
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Elect our local member to the School Board, and local judges.
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Vote in a special election to fill a vacancy on the Jax City Council (At-Large Group 1)
Key Races
We are highlighting four key races on the Beaches primary ballot. While BAM does not have a formal endorsement process, we do identify qualified candidates who align with our progressive values and priorities. We encourage you to do your own research and consider the endorsements of our partner organizations (which we'll post as those become available) when making your voting decisions!
U.S. Senate
Local State Legislator Angie Nixon faces Alex Vindman in a primary bid to challenge GOP incumbent Ashley Moody in the November General Election.
This statewide race is an uphill battle for DEMS where Republicans hold a 1.5 million advantage in voter registrations, but Nixon has demonstrated the ability in prior races to generate enthusiasm among voters who don't usually show up for the midterms. During her six years in the state legislature, BAM has observed how hard she fights for her constituents and for what she believes in.
A seasoned community organizer and small business owner, Nixon is running on a strong progressive platform,
focused on affordability, worker and voting rights, education, and fighting special interests. Find her
priorities here.
While new to the state, Vindman has generated admiration among supporters because of his role as a whistleblower in the first Trump administration. To learn about his priorities, click here.
U.S. Congressional District 5
Three DEMS are seeking to unseat GOP incumbent John Rutherford in Congressional District 5. Learn their priorities here: Rachel Grage, Alex Hazen, and Mark Heggestad. It is heartening that all of these candidates want to lead differently than the incumbent, who has loyally followed the GOP pack, and ignored constituents --- particularly those who disagree with him.
Grage brings significant strengths to the race, including detailed knowledge of the issues and solutions to the challenges facing people in the district. She cut her political teeth as a community leader, volunteer, and legislative watchdog for a local Democratic women's club, where she was responsible for researching, tracking, advocating,
and communicating about legislation impacting the lives of Florida families. She previously ran for state representative against Kiyan Michael, successfully building a network of grassroots supporters, including many BAM members.
Grage pledges to bring "common sense,
compassion and practical problem solving" to Washington as a member of Congress.
Duval County School Board Seat 2
Beaches voters have a chance to end the Moms-for-Liberty majority on the School Board with a candidate strongly committed to public education. Long-time educator and Fletcher High teacher Donna Westrich is running against two opponents to fill an open seat recently held by MFL adherent April Carney, who is not seeking re-election.
Westrich's top priorities are "supporting and retaining great teachers, strengthening public schools through meaningful community engagement, and ensuring transparent, responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars." She pledges to hold regular workshops throughout the district to ensure public input
on School Board decisions.
Also running for the seat are Donovan Bradley, a self-described conservative Christian endorsed by Carney, and Terence Myers, a veteran and dean of students at a public middle school.
Jax City Council, At-Large Group 1
Florida Rising leader Moné Holder (D), Sheriff's Office Veteran Deborah Wesley (R), and Libertarian Addison Patrick are the candidates in the special election for the Jax City Council, At-Large Seat, Group 1 on the ballot August 18th. The special election was prompted by the resignation of Terrance Freeman, who is running for the state legislature.
The election offers an opportunity to shift the balance of the City Council, currently dominated by the GOP. Council leadership has consistently worked to undermine the efforts of Mayor Donna Deegan, while mounting questionable investigations, including a performative DOGE initiative.
Holder offers a strong background in public service,
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and demonstrated expertise in planning and development, gained as a member and chair of the
Jacksonville Planning Commission. Learn more
about her priorities here.
Also on the Ballot
Governor
David Jolly is the Democratic front-runner in a crowded primary, with more than a dozen candidates vying for the chance to succeed term-limited FL Gov. Ron DeSantis. The field includes 11 Republicans, five DEMs (in addition to Jolly), six NPAs, and 1 Libertarian.
The primary victor will likely face Byron Daniels, Trump's choice to lead the state.
Jolly recently announced former North Florida Congressmember Gwen Graham as his running mate. The pair is decidedly middle-of-the-road, although Jolly has demonstrated an ability to energize the base,
while appealing to weary Republicans and Independent voters.
Learn more about Jolly's plans and priorities here.
Judges
Beaches voters will also find two contested judicial races on the August 18th primary ballot: County Court Judge Groups 1 and 13.
In Florida, judges in county courts— often referred to as "the people's courts"— primarily preside over local, day-to-day legal disputes, misdemeanors, and civil controversies with amounts in dispute of $50,000 or less. They handle the vast majority of non-jury trials in the state and serve six-year terms. These are nonpartisan races.
County Court Judge Group 1
County Court Judge Group 13
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Octavious Holliday (Note: Mr. Holliday was responsible for dropping the charges against the perpetrator of the machete attack at the Beaches Library during early voting in the last election)