Florida primary election 2026: Key races and election results

Follow live results from the governor’s race, Orange County mayoral contest and other key races across Central Florida

ORLANDO, Fla. — Florida voters will decide several important state, federal and local primary races on Tuesday, Aug. 18.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters who are waiting in line by 7 p.m. will still be permitted to cast a ballot, according to the Florida Division of Elections.

How to vote before Election Day

Florida’s mandatory early voting period continues through Saturday, Aug. 15. Some counties may offer additional early voting days, so voters should confirm local dates, hours and locations with their county Supervisor of Elections.

Completed vote-by-mail ballots must be received by the county Supervisor of Elections no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day. A postmark does not count. Voters should check with their county election office for ballot drop-off options.

Results will begin updating below as election officials report new totals. Statewide results may not be released until after 8 p.m. Eastern, when polls close in Florida counties operating in the Central time zone.

Key Florida and Central Florida races

Channel 9 is tracking races across its nine-county coverage area, including:

  • Florida governor
  • Florida’s special U.S. Senate election
  • Orange County mayor
  • U.S. House District 11
  • Florida Senate District 10
  • Additional congressional, legislative and local races

Some results for federal and statewide races will update automatically. Local election results will be monitored and updated throughout the evening as county election offices report new totals.

What Florida voters should know

Florida is a closed-primary state. Voters generally may only participate in the primary held by the political party with which they are registered.

All registered voters may participate in nonpartisan races and local referendum questions appearing on their ballots. There are also limited circumstances in which a primary contest is open to all voters.

Voters can confirm their registration status and assigned polling location through the Florida Division of Elections.

Watch election coverage live

Channel 9 Eyewitness News will provide live election results, candidate reaction and analysis throughout the evening.

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