As the 2026 Primary campaign winds down across the state, candidates, campaigns and supporters will watch anxiously as results begin to roll in after polls close at 7 p.m.
Some choose to do so from the privacy of their own homes, at a friend or family member’s house or from private parties that are invite-only. Others take-on a more public approach, with watch parties open to supporters, staff, media and others.
But however they plan to celebrate, Election Night represents the culmination of weeks or months, sometimes even years, of hard work and preparation. They’ve left it all on the field — mailers sent, ad buys made, forums done, doors knocked and voters called. Now there’s nothing left to do but watch. Some will end the night in celebration, others with their heads hung in defeat but their spirits lifted knowing the fight was waged.
In any case, here’s where some of the candidates from the Panhandle to the Keys will be celebrating Election night.
Statewide candidates
David Jolly and Gwen Graham, Governor and Lieutenant Governor: The presumptive Democratic gubernatorial ticket will be at the Miami Lakes Hotel, 6842 Main St., Miami Lakes, from 6-9 p.m. to watch returns roll in. Media is asked to RSVP.
Paul Renner, Governor: Renner is hosting his Election Night party at San Jose Country Club, 7529 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Media arrival is 6 p.m., and reporters are asked to RSVP to yohana@upperhandstrategies.com.
Ashley Moody, U.S. Senate: Moody will hold a Primary Election Night party in Plant City. The event begins at 6 p.m., with the location provided upon RSVP.
Angie Nixon, U.S. Senate: Nixon will hold an Election Night watch party in Jacksonville. Doors open to the public at 7 p.m., when polls close, with the location provided upon RSVP.
Annette Taddeo, Chief Financial Officer: Taddeo will host an Election Night watch party with supporters and family at El Novillo, 15450 New Barn Rd. #110, Miami Lakes, on Tuesday, Aug. 18, at 6:30 p.m.
Matt Taylor, Commissioner of Agriculture: Better known as “Matt the Welder,” Taylor will host a watch party at O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Grill in Brandon from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Anyone with an “I Voted” sticker gets a free draft beer, and Robert DeVirgilio will be performing.
Congressional candidates
Jimmy Patronis, Florida’s 1st Congressional District: Patronis will hold a Primary Election Night party at Wood Foot Beer Co. & Pizza Kitchen, 172 Brooks St. SE, Fort Walton Beach. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Rachel Grage, Florida’s 5th Congressional District: The Democrat and her supporters plan to “Grage against the machine” with a watch party at Cuba Libre, 2578 Atlantic Blvd., Jacksonville, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Mark Heggestad, Florida’s 5th Congressional District: The Democrat will celebrate with volunteers and supporters from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Fore Score Golf Tavern, 7570 Gate Pkwy., Ste. 109, Jacksonville. Attendees are asked to RSVP.
Aaron Baker, Florida’s 6th Congressional District: Baker will hold a Victory Party at Red Clover, 101 Palm Harbor Pkwy., Unit C132, Palm Coast. The event runs from 6 to 9 p.m.
Bale Dalton, Florida’s 7th Congressional District: Dalton will gather with supporters and volunteers at Dees Brothers Brewery, 210 Magnolia Ave., Sanford, from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. for an Election Night watch party.
Ryan Elijah, Florida’s 7th Congressional District: The Republican will host an Election Night watch party beginning at 6:45 p.m. at Decision Tactical in Sanford. Supporters, volunteers and members of the press are invited.
Leela Gray, Florida’s 13th Congressional District: The Democrat will hold her watch party in Safety Harbor. RSVP is required for the location.
Brandt Robinson, Florida’s 13th Congressional District: The Democrat will watch the results with supporters at Blur nightclub, 325 Main St., Dunedin, from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
Mike Beltran, Florida’s 14th Congressional District: The Republican will gather with supporters at American Social, 601 S. Harbour Island Blvd. #107, Tampa, after polls close.
Robert People, Florida’s 15th Congressional District: The Democrat will gather with supporters at Double Branch Brewing, 5956 Wesley Grove Blvd., Wesley Chapel, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Catalina Lauf, Florida’s 19th Congressional District: Lauf will hold an Election Night watch party at Legends Sports Bar & Lounge, 8955 Tamiami Trail North, Naples. The event begins at 6:30 p.m.
Jim Oberweis, Florida’s 19th Congressional District: Oberweis will hold an Election Night poll-watching reception from 6 to 11 p.m. at Sugar Shack Downtown, 27421 Old 41 Rd., Bonita Springs. He will be available for media interviews throughout the evening.
Mike Pedersen, Florida’s 19th Congressional District: The Republican will host his watch party at Nevermind Awesome Bar & Eatery, 927 Cape Coral Pkwy. E., Cape Coral, from 6 to 10 p.m.
Dale Holness, Florida’s 20th Congressional District: Holness will host an Election Night watch party at 4325 W. Sunrise Blvd., Plantation, on Tuesday, Aug. 18, at 7 p.m.
Elijah Manley, Florida’s 20th Congressional District: The Democrat will gather with friends and supporters at Hunter’s Nightclub, 2232-2238 Wilton Dr., Wilton Manors. The event starts at 7 p.m.
Oliver Gilbert, Florida’s 24th Congressional District: Gilbert will host an Election Night watch party with campaign staff, volunteers and supporters at Top Golf Miami Gardens, Rooftop Terrace, 17321 NW 7th Ave., Miami Gardens, on Tuesday, Aug. 18, at 7 p.m. Media may arrive at 6 p.m. and should RSVP to bp@benpollara.com.
Shevrin Jones, Florida’s 24th Congressional District: Jones will host an Election Night watch party with family, friends and supporters at Miami Shores Country Club, 1000 Biscayne Blvd., Miami Shores, on Tuesday, Aug. 18, with media arrival at 6 p.m.
Kendrick Meek, Florida’s 24th Congressional District: Meek will host an election night watch party at Kendrick Meek for Congress Campaign HQ, 6830 NW 28th Avenue, Miami, on Tuesday, Aug. 18, with media call time at 7:30 p.m. Media should RSVP to drew@kendrickmeekforcongress.com.
Oliver Larkin, Florida’s 25th Congressional District: Supporters of the Democratic Socialist will gather at the Corner Club on E. Sligh Ave., Tampa, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. RSVP is requested.
Robin Peguero, Florida’s 27th Congressional District: Peguero will hold an Election Night watch party in Little Havana, Miami, with location details provided following registration. Doors open at 7 p.m., with press check-in beginning at 6:30 p.m.
María Elvira Salazar, Florida’s 27th Congressional District: Salazar will hold a Primary Election Night media availability beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Milanezza Restaurant, 700 Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne. Media must RSVP to Press@salazar27.com.
LEGISLATURE
Michele Rayner, Senate District 16: The Democrat will hold her Election Night watch party at 7th + Grove, 1930 E. 7th Ave., Tampa. The event kicks off at 6:30 p.m.
Antione Fields, House District 21: The Democrat will conclude his Primary campaign with a watch party at Brew & Root Kava Cafe, 615 W. University Ave., Gainesville, beginning at 7 p.m.
Ashley Gantt, Senate District 34: Her campaign is hosting an election results party at Sins Gastrobar, 9835 NE 2nd Ave., Miami Shores. The event begins at 6:30 p.m.
Kyandra Darling, House District 62: Darling will hold an Election Night watch party from 6 to 9 p.m. at LALA St. Pete, 2334 Central Ave., St. Petersburg.
Wengay Newton, House District 62: Newton will gather with supporters at The Hangar Restaurant and Flight Lounge, 540 1st St. S., St. Petersburg, from 6 to 9 p.m. for an Election Night watch party.
Luis Salazar, House District 64: His campaign is inviting supporters, volunteers and neighbors to gather at Catrinas Tacos and Tequila Bar, 1611 N. Howard Ave., Tampa. Doors open at 5 p.m.
Mike Suarez, House District 64: Suarez will host an Election Night party at Wulfaven Brewing Company, 10828 Perez Dr., Tampa.
Mery-Lopez Palma, House District 102: The Republican will watch the returns at Vicky Bakery at Weston-Sunrise, 15936 W. State Rd. 84, Sunrise, from 7 to 10 p.m.
Ashley Litwin Diego, House District 106: She will gather with supporters for an Election Night watch party from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at Miami Beach Golf Club, 2301 Alton Rd., Miami Beach.
John Taylor, House District 109: Taylor will host an election night watch party with supporters at The ARC, 675 Ali Baba Ave, Opa-locka, at 6:30 p.m.
Frank Lago, House District 113: Lago will gather his supporters at Courts Brickell, 80 Brickell Key Blvd, Key Biscayne. The event starts at 7 p.m. and there will be free valet parking.
Local candidates
Charlie Crist, St. Petersburg Mayor: Crist will hold an Election Night party beginning at 6 p.m. at Cassis, 170 Beach Dr. NE. St. Petersburg.
Brandi Gabbard, St. Petersburg Mayor: Gabbard will gather with supporters at Outcast Brewing, 1776 11th Ave. N., St. Petersburg, from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
Jim Large, St. Petersburg Mayor: Large will gather with supporters at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club, 11 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, from 6 to 10 p.m. for an Election Night watch party.
Ken Welch, St. Petersburg Mayor: Welch will host an Election Night gathering beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the St. Petersburg Association of Fire Fighters, IAFF Local 747, 3240 1st Ave. N. Family, supporters, elected officials, community leaders, organized labor and members of the press are invited.
Chris Messina, Orange County Mayor: Messina will gather with supporters at Grills Lakeside Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar, 4301 N. Orange Blossom Trl., Orlando. He is expected to arrive around 7:30 p.m.
Stephanie Murphy, Orange County Mayor: Murphy will join supporters and community members for an Election Night watch party beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Gallery Room of City Food Hall, 1412 Alden Rd., Orlando.
Tiffany Moore Russell, Orange County Mayor: Russell will host an Election Night event at Orlando Lakeside Reception Hall, 4005 N. Orange Blossom Trl., beginning at 7 p.m. Media is invited but must RSVP to campaign@tiffanyformayor.com.
Danielle Cohen Higgins, Miami-Dade County Commission: Higgins will hold an Election results party at Bulla Gastrobar The Falls, 8870 SW 136th St., Suite RR01, Miami. The event begins at 6:30 p.m.
Vicki Lopez, Miami-Dade County Commission: Lopez is hosting an election results party starting at 6:30 p.m. at Barsecco, 1421 S. Miami Ave., Brickell.
Tiffany Jeffers, Kissimmee City Commission: Jeffers and her supporters will host an Election Night watch party starting at 7:30 p.m. The event will take place at Skate Reflections, 1111 Dyer Blvd., Kissimmee.
Christina Romelus, Palm Beach County School Board: Romelus will host an election night watch party with supporters and family at Hampton Social, 40 NE 7th Ave., Delray Beach at 6:30 p.m.
Kamilah Perry, Ninth Judicial Circuit: Perry invites supporters to Jenny’s Eat Drink Socialize, 595 W. Church St., Ste. E, Orlando, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. There will be food and music by DJ Dash.
Local political parties
Duval County GOP: Republicans will hold their watch party at Sneakers Sports Grille, 111 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach. The event starts at 6 p.m.
Lee County Republicans: The party will watch returns at Lee GOP headquarters, 12995 S. Cleveland Ave. #239, Fort Myers, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Manatee County Democratic Party: Manatee Democrats will gather at party headquarters, 435 Cortez Rd., Bradenton, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. for an Election Night watch party with food and refreshments.
Orange County Democratic Party: Democrats will celebrate volunteers at a watch party at Holiday Inn Orlando East, 1724 N. Alafaya Trl., Orlando. The event starts at 7 p.m.
Sarasota Democratic Party: Local Dems are hosting a watch party at Tamiami Tap, 711 S. Osprey Ave., Sarasota, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Complimentary light bites and a cash bar will be available.
NONPARTISAN
Co-Space Miami Gardens: The organization is hosting “After the Ballot,” a nonpartisan Election Night watch party and happy hour with food, music, cocktails, cards and games. Admission is free with proof of voting, and the event starts at 7 p.m. at 17161 NW 27th Ave., Miami Gardens.
Space Coast Builders Association: The organization is hosting a watch party from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the SCBA auditorium, 1500 W. Eau Gallie Blvd., Ste. A, Melbourne. Online RSVP is requested.
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