- Advertisement -

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (July 31, 2025) — Democratic candidate Josh Weil announced today that he is suspending his campaign for the U.S. Senate special election, in which he had been poised to challenge incumbent Republican Ashley Moody. Senator Moody was appointed to the position by Governor DeSantis when then Senator Marco Rubio was selected by the Trump administration to serve as Secretary of State.

- Advertisement -

Weil, a Jacksonville-based teacher and Democratic contender, shared in a statement that a lingering health condition has compelled him to step back. He disclosed past hospitalizations in 2021 and 2022 due to rhabdomyolysis—a severe muscle breakdown disorder—and said that recent symptoms resurfaced during his statewide campaigning.

“Florida deserves a U.S. Senator who can fight for them 100% of the time,” Weil wrote. “I do not wish to hold that seat if I cannot give them the full commitment Floridians deserve.” He added that stepping aside early may pave the way for another progressive candidate to emerge Florida’s Voice.

Weil’s exit leaves a gap in the Democratic primary field. So far, he was the only candidate with significant fundraising success—reportedly raising more than $15 million during a previous U.S. House campaign.

- Advertisement -

With his withdrawal confirmed, political consultants have hinted that former Brevard County School Board member and founder of Educated We Stand Jennifer Jenkins may soon throw her hat in the ring. The upcoming special election on Nov. 3, 2026, will fill the remainder of Marco Rubio’s Senate term.

“I’m seriously considering it,” Jenkins told the Phoenix on Monday about entering the Senate race.

- Advertisement -

“It’s something that I’m not taking lightly. I’ve thought about this for the last several years. I’ve been entrenched in the fight for our public schools and meeting with grassroots Democrats and people across Florida, and I keep hearing the same thing over and over again — that people are sick and tired of people in power making excuses to not use that power to help regular people.

“And I keep getting asked the same question, if I’m going to run for Senate. So, I am having conversations with my family and the people closest to me who I trust.”

Moody, who formally declared her bid for the seat, has secured strong backing from high-profile Republican figures and more recently an endorsement from President Trump.

On the Democratic side, candidates already in or eyeing the race include:

• Alan Grayson, former U.S. Representative from Florida’s 9th Congressional District who has recently ran several unsuccessful campaigns for various other offices.
• Potential contenders such as Alexander Vindman, known for his role as a whistleblower in the 2019 Trump‑Ukraine scandal—who has reportedly expressed interest.

Neither has confirmed a definitive decision on running or not.

Weil’s departure reshapes the Democratic primary landscape. As the election cycle advances, all eyes will turn to who steps forward to challenge Moody in what many expect to be a closely watched race. To date, no prominent Republican candidate has stepped forward to challenge Moody for the Republican nomination.

- Advertisement -