ORLANDO, Fla. – Simply months after an unsuccessful bid for a seat within the U.S. Home, Democrat Josh Weil introduced Wednesday that he’ll attempt to unseat Republican U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody 2026.
What we all know:
Democrat Josh Weil, a former U.S. Home candidate and educator, introduced on Wednesday that he’ll run for the U.S. Senate in 2026, aiming to unseat Republican incumbent Ashley Moody.
Moody, Florida’s former lawyer common, was appointed to the Senate seat in January by Gov. Ron DeSantis after Sen. Marco Rubio resigned to grow to be U.S. Secretary of State. Weil’s marketing campaign focuses on rising prices for Floridians and what he describes as political inaction.
OCALA, FLORIDA – MARCH 26: Democratic nominee Josh Weil greets individuals throughout a marketing campaign cease on the Silver Springs Shores Neighborhood Middle on March 26, 2025 in Ocala, Florida. Polls present that Mr. Weil is throughout the margin of error in defeating Republ
What we do not know:
It stays unclear whether or not Weil will face a Democratic main challenger or if different Republicans will contest Moody’s seat. Additionally unknown is how aggressive the race will probably be statewide, given Florida’s latest rightward shift and the GOP’s dominance in statewide elections. Voter enthusiasm for Weil, who misplaced his final race in a solidly pink district, may also be examined on a bigger stage.
The backstory:
Weil ran in an April 1 particular election for Florida’s sixth Congressional District however misplaced to Republican Randy Wonderful. Regardless of the loss, Democratic leaders pointed to Weil’s relative energy within the closely Republican district as an indication of potential. He gained visibility throughout that marketing campaign, which he now hopes to leverage in his statewide Senate bid.
What they’re saying:
Weil launched a marketing campaign web site this week.
“I’m operating as a result of Floridians are struggling,” Weil wrote in his marketing campaign announcement. “Hire, well being care, fuel, dwelling insurance coverage — all the pieces is costlier than ever and politicians are making it worse. Ashley Moody is placing politics over Floridians.”
In response, the Republican Get together of Florida dismissed Weil’s candidacy, calling him “a failed congressional candidate.”
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The Supply: This story was written based mostly on data shared by Josh Weil for Senate, the Republican Get together of Florida, and the Information Service of Florida.
