Florida is bracing for a consequential political cycle as Palm Beach and Broward counties emerge as critical battlegrounds. With high-stakes state legislative races and major movements in congressional contests, including Palm Beach County Mayor Sara Baxter’s transition to a federal bid, voters face an intense primary season followed by a pivotal general election on November 3.
Key takeaways
- Competitive legislative races across Southeast Florida are testing the growth of the Republican Party coalition in traditionally Democratic strongholds.
- Democrats aim to chip away at Republican supermajorities in the state Legislature by focusing on key swing districts.
- Congressional District 22 has become a focal point of activity following the entry of Mayor Sara Baxter, who is shifting her focus from the Palm Beach County Commission to a federal seat representing a newly redrawn district.
State legislative battlegrounds
While statewide races often dominate headlines, the 2026 cycle features intense primary and general election contests for state Senate and House seats. Although Republicans maintain supermajorities in the Legislature, party leaders on both sides acknowledge that districts in Broward and Palm Beach counties are more competitive than ever.
In the state House, District 100 remains a closely watched swing seat. Despite a Republican registration advantage, Democrats are viewing the district as an opportunity, citing potential anti-Trump sentiment following the presidential election. Meanwhile, in House District 101, all eyes are on the contest between Republican incumbent Hillary Cassel and Democratic challenger Todd Delmay. Cassel, who switched parties in 2024, has drawn significant political scrutiny, turning the district into one of the region’s most contentious races.
Other notable contests include:
- House District 87: A highly anticipated rematch following a special election earlier this year that flipped a long-standing Republican district to the Democratic column.
- House District 91: Current Republican Representative Peggy Gossett-Seidman faces a challenge from Democrat Luis Garcia amid administrative hurdles impacting candidate qualification.
- Senate District 26: A race for an open seat featuring former state representatives Rick Roth and David Silvers, reflecting the transition of leadership in Palm Beach County.
Shifts in Congressional District 22
The 2026 congressional race has seen a major shake-up with Republican County Mayor Sara Baxter announcing her bid for the 22nd Congressional District. Baxter’s entry, which requires her to vacate her re-election bid for the Palm Beach County Commission, introduces a high-profile competitor into a crowded GOP field.
The redrawn CD 22 now stretches across parts of Palm Beach and Broward counties, extending deep into Hendry and Collier counties. Baxter, who was endorsed by Donald Trump for her commission seat, has positioned herself as a "MAGA Warrior" focusing on fiscal efficiency, border security, and local agricultural interests. She now joins a list of GOP candidates seeking to represent the diverse, sprawling district. The outcome of both the August 18 primary and the November 3 general election will likely depend on which candidate can best mobilize the district’s rural and suburban voting blocs.
Sources
- Key state House and Senate races set for South Florida, Sun Sentinel.
- Sara Baxter enters CD 22 race, dropping Palm Beach County Commission re-election bid, Florida Politics.