Official candidate announcements or filings for the 2026 Florida gubernatorial race

Florida Rep. Jared Moskowitz, who led COVID-19 response, is top contender for FEMA Director under Trump after 52.3% win.

Dec 16, 2024, 08:48 PM

Florida Representative Jared Moskowitz, a Democrat, is reportedly a leading candidate to head the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under President Donald Trump. Moskowitz previously served as the director of Florida's Division of Emergency Management from 2019 to 2021, where he played a significant role in the state’s COVID-19 response. His potential appointment comes as Trump aims to create a bipartisan approach to FEMA leadership, which some analysts suggest could mitigate risks associated with past administrations' disaster responses. Moskowitz's congressional seat, representing the Fort Lauderdale area, could become vacant if he accepts the position, prompting a special election in a district that has recently trended Republican. In the November 2024 elections, Moskowitz won reelection with a narrow margin of 52.3% to 47.7% against his opponent. His appointment could impact the political landscape in Florida, particularly with the 2026 gubernatorial race on the horizon.