NewsTampa Bay TimesOctober 25, 2026Hillsborough County
Who’s running in Florida’s Cabinet races?
Photo: Tampa Bay Times
Florida’s three appointed Republican Cabinet members face Democratic challengers in the Nov. 3 general election as Democrats seek to break a statewide losing streak since 2018. Attorney General James Uthmeier, Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia, and Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson are running to keep seats they acquired through recent political appointments by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Read the full story at Tampa Bay TimesWhy It Matters
The Nov. 3 election determines the officials directing state legal enforcement, retirement funds, agricultural regulations, and insurance oversight amid millions of dollars in campaign spending.
Key Facts
Each fact below is taken from the article. Click one to see the exact passage.
Who's Mentioned
PersonRon DeSantis“Made appointments to the Cabinet positions”PersonJoey Mendoza Atkins“Trial attorney from Miami challenging Wilton Simpson”PersonKyle Gibson“Qualified write-in candidate in the agriculture commissioner race”PersonWilton Simpson“Former Senate president running for reelection”PersonDonald Trump“Endorsed James Uthmeier and Wilton Simpson”PersonMatt Gaetz“Vacated congressional seat, paving the way for Jimmy Patronis”PersonNikki Fried“Last Democrat to win a statewide election in Florida in 2018”OrganizationFlorida Democratic Party“Challenging the GOP statewide grip”PersonMarco Rubio“Vacated U.S. Senate seat, triggering a chain of appointments”PersonJose Javier Rodriguez“Former state senator from Miami challenging James Uthmeier”PersonBlaise Ingoglia“Appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in July 2025; running for election”PersonAnnette Taddeo“Former state senator challenging Blaise Ingoglia”PersonJimmy Patronis“Took Matt Gaetz's congressional seat”OrganizationHope Florida Foundation“Recipient of designated settlement funds in a controversy involving James Uthmei”OrganizationDepartment of Governmental Efficiency“Partnered with Blaise Ingoglia on local overspending campaigns”PersonJames Uthmeier“Appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in February 2025; running for election”PersonAshley Moody“Elevated from attorney general to the U.S. Senate”