NewsWPLG Local 10November 3, 2026Miami-Dade County
José Javier Rodríguez challenges Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier in the 2026 election
Photo: WPLG Local 10
Democrat José Javier Rodríguez is running against appointed Republican Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier in the 2026 election, focusing his platform on crime, living costs, and government corruption. Rodríguez emphasizes public safety, utility and insurance price oversight, and tackling special interests, while Uthmeier highlights his record on lowering crime rates, increasing prosecution caseloads, and public corruption enforcement.
Read the full story at WPLG Local 10Why It Matters
Voters in Florida will choose between two candidates with different policy priorities and backgrounds for the state's top legal officer position, which oversees state litigation, public safety initiatives, and consumer protection investigations.
Key Facts
- José Javier Rodríguez, a Democrat, former Florida legislator, and former U.S. Deputy Undersecretary of Labor, is running for Florida Attorney General.
- James Uthmeier, a Republican, currently holds the Attorney General office after being appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis.
- Prior to his appointment, Uthmeier served as the governor's chief of staff and helped organize the Alligator Alcatraz immigrant detention center in the Everglades.
- Rodríguez's platform targets public safety issues including gun violence, synthetic drugs, and online threats from big tech companies.
- Rodríguez also pledges to address rising utility and insurance prices and investigate companies involved.
- Uthmeier declined to be interviewed by Local 10 News for the article.
- Uthmeier's campaign highlights a zero tolerance policy for public corruption and lower crime rates.
- Uthmeier stated that the state has doubled its court caseload in over a year and increased its conviction rate by 50%.
Who's Mentioned
OrganizationAlligator Alcatraz“Former immigrant detention center in the Everglades where James Uthmeier played ”OrganizationLocal 10 News“News outlet that interviewed José Javier Rodríguez.”locationFlorida“State where the attorney general election is taking place.”PersonJosé Javier Rodríguez“Democratic candidate for Florida Attorney General, former Florida legislator, an”PersonRon DeSantis“Governor of Florida who appointed James Uthmeier.”PersonJames Uthmeier“Republican Florida Attorney General, appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis, and for”locationEverglades“Location of the former Alligator Alcatraz detention center.”