NewsABC7 WWSBOctober 26, 2026Manatee County
Florida gubernatorial and legislative campaigns continue events following Tallahassee shooting
Photo: ABC7 WWSB
Major political campaigns in Florida are continuing their scheduled events and advertising just eight days before the election, despite a shooting near Florida A&M University that injured 12 people. Candidates from both parties released statements addressing the tragedy while maintaining their campaign schedules and releasing final advertisements.
Read the full story at ABC7 WWSBWhy It Matters
Voters evaluating the candidates see how campaigns balance public safety tragedies with active election schedules, with candidates offering differing stances on gun reform and law enforcement investigations.
Key Facts
- A shooting near Florida A&M University injured 12 people, including six children, during homecoming weekend.
- The incident occurred eight days before the election, prompting immediate statements from major gubernatorial and legislative candidates.
- Democratic Lieutenant Governor Candidate Gwen Graham cast her vote in Tallahassee and stated her running mate would oppose any effort to roll back post-Parkland gun reform.
- The Jolly-Graham campaign released its final ad on Monday despite the shooting.
- Democratic Senate Candidate Angie Nixon posted a statement and a mixtape regarding the community trauma and need for action.
- Republican Senator Ashley Moody called for a thorough investigation to bring those responsible to justice while attending a campaign event.
- Congressman Byron Donalds released a statement and continued his campaign trail with scheduled events in Tallahassee and Suwanee.
- Campaigns previously maintained their schedules during Hurricane Isaias without suspending operations.
Who's Mentioned
locationTallahassee“City where the shooting occurred and campaign events took place”PersonAshley Moody“Republican Senator who posted a statement calling for an investigation”PersonDavid Jolly“Former Congressman and running mate to Gwen Graham”locationFlorida“State where the election and shooting took place”PersonAngie Nixon“Democratic Senate Candidate who posted a statement and video regarding the trage”PersonGwen Graham“Democratic Lieutenant Governor Candidate who cast her vote and commented on gun ”PersonByron Donalds“Congressman who released a statement and continued campaign events”OrganizationFlorida A&M University“Site of the shooting near campus during homecoming weekend”OrganizationWCTV“News outlet reporting the story”locationParkland“Site of prior shooting prompting previous gun reform legislation”locationSuwanee“Location of a planned campaign event for Byron Donalds”