FL-Gov 2026: Moskowitz vs. Gaetz (Trump midterm)

[2016]

Moskowitz would win this one, as much as I like Gaetz. Moskowitz is the best candidate the Democrats can hope for, because he's the only one who could stop Matt Gaetz.

That seems to be against the conventional wisdom of most posters here across the ideological spectrum. Still, you know Florida politics. Care to elaborate?

Moskowitz, like DeSantis, was an effective administrator, but unlike DeSantis, Moskowitz has some charisma. While Florida is drifting far enough in the right direction for Gaetz to likely be our next Governor, he's not unbeatable. His controversies (the bogus sex trafficking thing, his role in the chaos in the House of Representatives, his association with MTG and Trump) will come forward if he's the nominee, and Moskowitz is the only Democrat who can attack him on these and not sound like some broken MSNBC record.

Gaetz could still beat Moskowitz, but the race would be ugly and close, and whoever wins will come out as a polarizing figure. I'm hoping Moskowitz goes for Senate in 2028 rather than Governor in 2026, because he's the only decent candidate the Democrats have.

Moskowitz and Gaetz are friendly, IIRC, and there's a chance they can have a gentleman's agreement and keep the campaign focused on the issues. If that's the case, Gaetz will win, but if Moskowitz goes aggressive and continues to pitch himself as he is now, than he will be competitive.

I agree Moskowitz is the Democrats best Candidate but can he beat Nikki Fried in a D-Primary? I doubt it. AND I doubt Gaetz even runs for Governor. He probably only runs if Trump is President. If Biden wins this year that will end the Discussion about Trumpism and the Party is likely to move on from Trump.

I that case Nunez, Moody or Patronis will be the Frontrunners for 2026.

[2016]

Nominating Gaetz would be the perfect way for the GOP to throw away a winnable race.  I think Moskowitz would win.

Whether Gaetz even runs depends a lot on a Trump Win this November I think which I stated above. A Trump loss probably means lunatics like Gaetz are finished in FL and it that case I make Nunez or Moody the Favorite to become Floridas next Governor unless Casey DeSantis herself runs.

[2016]

Nominating Gaetz would be the perfect way for the GOP to throw away a winnable race.  I think Moskowitz would win.

Whether Gaetz even runs depends a lot on a Trump Win this November I think which I stated above. A Trump loss probably means lunatics like Gaetz are finished in FL and it that case I make Nunez or Moody the Favorite to become Floridas next Governor unless Casey DeSantis herself runs.

I think Gaetz, if the nominee in a Trump midterm in 2026, would have to be facing someone uniquely bad as a candidate.  Like, I think he would beat Rebekah Jones (that former health staffer who turned into a zero-covid conspiracy theorist who thought that DeSantis hid the real data), but Moskowitz seems like a pretty standard South Florida Jewish Democrat to me (based on what I know about him).

There is going to be a Democratic Primary between Nikki Fried & Jared Moskowitz (if he does run which I honestly doubt should Democrats retake the House).

Since you are an DeSantis Supporter it is interesting to note that DeSantis Lt. Governor Jeanette Nunez hasn't endorsed Trump while all the other Statewide Officeholders like AG Moody, Ag Commissioner Wilton Simpson and CFO Patronis have. I wonder why? Maybe she waits after the Florida Primary. She did endorse Rubio in 2016 when she was a State Legislator and called him a Con Artist so there is that.

[2016]

Ya'll need to stop this crap that Gaetz is running for Governor. He isn't!

[2016]

Moskowitz is the strongest possible D candidate and Gaetz the weakest possible R candidate.
I think Moskowitz would win.

Only in a Trump Midterm Moskowitz would win. If it's a 6-Year Itch Biden Midterm Republicans are heavy Favorites regardless whom they put up.

[2016]

Maybe it's time to talk about Casey DeSantis for Governor!!! She is at 38 % and would mop the floor with Gaetz

https://twitter.com/IAPolls2022/status/1780978537492566078

[2016]

Who cares about Casey DeSantis

Yes. Also, have we heard from Nunez yet?

There is no way that Nunez and Casey run against each other, NO WAY, Zero Chance IMO. Nunez will defer to Casey DeSantis if she runs.

Different Scenario is if Casey doesn't run and it's between Nunez and Ashley Moody.