HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – The contest to fill the long-vacant State Senate District 14 seat is officially underway, pitting a well-funded Republican State Representative against a labor-backed Navy veteran Democrat.
State Rep. Josie Tomkow (R-Polk County) will face Brian Nathan (D-Tampa).
The district, which expands from South Tampa to Lutz, has been without representation for nearly 100 days since former Senator Jay Collins resigned in August 2025 to serve as Lieutenant Governor.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis called a special election, and the final slate of candidates was locked in following the Tuesday qualifying deadline.
With only one candidate from each major party qualifying, the expected primary election has been averted, sending the contest directly to a Special General Election on March 24, 2026.
Key Dates for SD 14 Special General Election
- Deadline to Register to Vote: Monday, February 23, 2026 (for those not already registered in Florida).
- Deadline to Request a Vote By Mail Ballot: Thursday, March 12, 2026.
- Early Voting Period: Saturday, March 14 – Saturday, March 21, 2026.
- Election Day: Tuesday, March 24, 2026.
Voters residing in State Senate District 14 can expect to receive a Sample Ballot by mail or email containing all the necessary information for casting their vote.
Additional information regarding the election, including polling locations and how to request a Vote By Mail ballot, is available online at VoteHillsborough.gov.
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