Jacob Ogles
Members of Senate Republican leadership are signaling who they want to succeed Sen. Tom Wright next year.
The Florida Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee (FRSCC) is endorsing Volusia County Council member Jake Johansson, with a joint statement backing the military veteran from Senate President Ben Albritton, Senate Majority Leader Jim Boyd and Sen. Jay Trumbull.
“Jake Johansson has dedicated his entire adult life to selflessly serving our nation and his community,” the statement reads.
“As we continue to make Florida a model for other states, we need leaders in the Senate who will put families first and stand strong in the belief that government is at its best when hard working Floridians are free to achieve their American Dream. We are proud to endorse Retired Navy Captain Jake Johansson for District 8 and look forward to welcoming his important voice and proven problem solving to the Florida Senate.”
Boyd, a Bradenton Republican, is expected to take over as Senate President after the 2026 elections, presuming Republicans retain control of the chamber. Trumbull, a Panama City Republican, is in line to lead the Senate the following legislative term, after the 2028 election.
Johansson, a Port Orange Republican, announced in December that he would run in Senate District 8. Wright won election there in 2018.
Wright, who cannot seek another term because of term limits, also endorsed Johansson earlier this week.
Regarding Republican Primaries for open Senate seats, the FRSCC has traditionally held outsized influence in selecting nominees.
Three other Republicans have already filed for the seat. That includes former Rep. Elizabeth Fetterhoff, who narrowly lost an incumbent-on-incumbent House race in 2022 following redistricting.
Additionally, Edgewater Republican Heather Bendl and Realtor Jason Voelz have also filed for the seat.
The seat leans heavily Republican. Wright in 2022 won re-election with 63% of the vote over Democrat Andrea Williams.
