Labor Day signals the unofficial end of Summer — and the start of a political season already heating up in Florida.

With the state’s 2026 Primary now less than a year away, the outlines of some key races are starting to come into focus.

In Southwest Florida, the path is clearing for Rep. James Buchanan in the open Senate District 22 contest. Rep. Fiona McFarland , once floated as a possible contender, announced she’ll instead seek re-election to the House and endorsed Buchanan for the Senate seat. That gives Buchanan momentum heading into a Primary that will likely decide the successor to now-Republican National Committee Chair Joe Gruters .

Meanwhile, in Palm Beach County, the pending HD 87 Special Election is shaping up into an early intraparty fight. Meg Weinberge

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