Pinellas voters decide open Florida governor race amid national stakes

Polls in Pinellas County are open from 7 a.m. To 7 p.m. Eastern Time today as voters across St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Largo, and Pinellas Park cast their ballots in the 2026 midterm election. The day marks the halfway point of President Donald Trump's second term, with results set to determine which party controls Congress for the final two years of his administration. Locals are not only deciding the makeup of the U.S. House of Representatives but also selecting the next Florida governor in a high-stakes open seat.

Florida is one of 36 states holding governor races this year, and it is considered a key battleground in the national contest for statehouses. There is no incumbent on the ballot for Florida governor, making it one of 19 races without a sitting officeholder. The ballot includes candidates from the Democratic, Republican, Libertarian, and No Party Affiliation slates. Florida is a competitive race, and the outcome will significantly impact the balance of power among state executives nationwide.

In the context of the broader election, Republicans currently hold 26 governorships while Democrats hold 24. Democrats need a net gain of two seats to achieve a nationwide majority, a position they have not held since 2010. Democrats are cautiously optimistic about their chances in several states, including Florida, while Republicans are bracing for potential losses in the U.S. House while fighting to retain their Senate majority. The Florida race is particularly watched because the state voted for Trump in 2024, adding a layer of complexity to the midterm dynamics.

Voters in Pinellas County are also choosing representatives for every U.S. House seat in Florida, as all congressional districts in the state are on the ballot. The state is using new congressional maps following mid-decade redistricting, a change that analysts say may influence how votes are distributed across districts. In addition to federal and state offices, voters are deciding on local measures and state legislative seats that vary by county. The U.S. Postal Service has added staff and hours to ensure mail ballots are counted on time, a logistical adjustment that affects many Florida residents who vote by mail.

The national mood is a referendum on the current administration, with many voters citing high prices and an unpopular war with Iran as primary concerns. Only 35 percent of U.S. Adults approve of Trump's job performance, while about seven in 10 say the country is heading in the wrong direction. In Florida, the election is being shaped by these national sentiments, with local candidates campaigning on issues of cost of living and economic stability. The state's political landscape is further influenced by the fact that it is one of six states using new congressional maps, which may affect the predictability of outcomes in specific districts.

The Florida Senate race is also on the ballot as a special election for the remainder of the term originally held by Marco Rubio. Ashley B. Moody, a Republican, is running for this seat, a race that Ballotpedia categorizes as a special election. This seat is one of 35 Senate seats up for grabs, with Republicans holding 53 seats and Democrats holding 45, plus two independents who caucus with Democrats. The outcome of this special election, along with the governor race, will define the state's political direction heading into 2027. Winners of the Senate races will begin their six-year terms on January 3, 2027, but the special election winner will serve out the remaining portion of the current term.

Money is playing a significant role in the 2026 elections, which are expected to be the most expensive in history. Republican committees have outspent and outraised their Democratic counterparts, aided by Trump-affiliated groups and Elon Musk. However, at the candidate level, Democrats have managed to outraise their opponents. In Florida, the spending reflects the intense competition for the governor's office, with campaigns investing heavily in television advertising and ground operations. The Associated Press notes that 88.1 percent of Republican general election TV ad spending went to states and districts that Trump won in 2024, highlighting the focus on defending Republican strength in areas like Florida.

As voters head to the polls, they are navigating a complex legal environment surrounding election administration. A federal judge temporarily barred the Trump administration from implementing a plan to prevent noncitizen voting, a move that critics say could disenfranchise eligible voters. The U.S. Postal Service is working to ensure that mail ballots arrive on time, a critical factor in a state like Florida where mail voting is prevalent. Voters in Pinellas County are advised to check their specific polling place locations at vote.gov, as ID rules and procedures can vary. The day's proceedings are being closely monitored by the national press, with the Associated Press reporting that more than 57 million people had already voted as of Monday, surpassing early vote totals from four years ago in many closely watched states.

The stakes of today's vote extend beyond Florida, as the results will determine whether Democrats can win control of either chamber of Congress. If Democrats gain a majority, investigations and potential impeachment proceedings become more likely, with House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries outlining a 100-day agenda focused on the cost of living and oversight. Conversely, a Republican hold would allow the party to maintain its legislative agenda. For Pinellas County residents, the election is a chance to influence the national balance of power while selecting local leaders who will address community-specific issues. The day ends with polls closing at 7 p.m., after which the counting process begins, with early results expected to trickle in from various jurisdictions across the state.