Former U.S. Rep. Al Lawson Jr. of Tallahassee is actively considering a bid for Florida governor in 2026, a move that could significantly reshape the nascent Democratic primary field. His potential entry into the high-stakes race signals a growing dissatisfaction within certain segments of the state’s electorate, particularly among African-American voters, regarding the candidates currently vying for the Democratic nomination.
Lawson, a long-serving state lawmaker and former congressman, recently disclosed his exploratory intentions in a direct email to his supporters, titled “Governors Race -Endorsement Question.” In this communication, he candidly expressed his contemplation of a gubernatorial run, emphasizing a perceived disconnect between the African-American community’s aspirations and the direction of the current Democratic contenders. This sentiment underscores a crucial dynamic within Florida politics as the 2026 election cycle approaches.
A key point of contention for Lawson appears to be the recent entry of David Jolly, another former member of Congress representing Pinellas County, into the Democratic primary. Jolly, who previously served as a Republican from 2014 to 2017, officially switched his party affiliation to Democrat in April 2025 before announcing his candidacy in June. Lawson’s remarks suggest a belief that a Republican-turned-Democrat may not fully resonate with the state’s African-American community, highlighting a potential ideological or representational void he aims to fill.
The veteran politician, 76, revealed that numerous individuals across Florida have urged him to consider the governor’s office. Lawson has pledged to finalize his decision by the end of November 2025, indicating that he plans to meticulously review polling data and engage in critical discussions with Democratic Party leadership over the next month. This strategic assessment will be pivotal in determining his viability and potential path forward in a competitive statewide contest.
Should Lawson commit to a run, he faces a formidable uphill battle. While his name recognition remains strong in North Florida, particularly in his former congressional district around Tallahassee, it diminishes significantly in other populous regions of the state. Furthermore, Florida’s voter registration landscape presents a considerable challenge for any Democratic candidate, with Republicans holding a substantial lead of approximately 1.3 million registered voters—5.5 million to 4.2 million statewide.
Lawson’s assertion regarding the African-American community’s discontent with Jolly, however, lacks immediate corroborating evidence from public polling data. As of now, specific polling metrics reflecting Black voters’ support for Jolly’s campaign are unavailable. A request for comment has been extended to Jolly’s campaign spokesperson, whose response is still pending, indicating an unfolding narrative that requires further substantiation.
If Al Lawson officially enters the race, he would join an increasingly crowded and diverse field of prominent figures. This includes David Jolly and U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, a Naples Republican who boasts an endorsement from former President Donald Trump. Additionally, former Florida Senate Democratic Leader Jason Pizzo, now an independent, has also declared his intention to run, setting the stage for a multifaceted and potentially unpredictable gubernatorial contest.
Lawson’s extensive background provides a deep foundation for his political aspirations. Born in the small farming community of Midway, he excelled in basketball at Havana Northside High School and Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), where he earned a political science degree. After a career in insurance and community leadership, Lawson served 18 years in the Florida House, then in the Florida Senate, and eventually won a U.S. House seat in 2016. His long tenure in Florida politics underscores his deep roots and understanding of the state’s complex political landscape.
