This profile is preserved from the August 18, 2026 primary field. This candidate is not in the reviewed current general-election field. Current election · Primary archive · Official candidate list ↗

ChallengerDemocratic

Thomas Eloy Fernandez

Governor

2026 Florida Governor — Democratic Primary · August 18, 2026

Published evidence-backed profile

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Last reviewed September 15, 2026

Overview

Fernandez describes himself as a veteran, health-care professional, husband, father, and community advocate. His questionnaire responses emphasize affordability, health-care access, environmental resilience, housing, education, and insurance oversight.

Archived primary race
2026 Florida Governor — Democratic Primary on August 18, 2026
Official candidacy
Governor · Democratic · Challenger
VerifiedOfficial records: Florida Division of Elections
Identity match
Identity verified across official records and aliases

Policy statements from campaign-controlled sources are labeled candidate positions; they are not independently presented as proven outcomes.

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Sample Primary Election Ballot

August 18, 2026

Democratic Party

Polk County, Florida

Governor and Lieutenant Governor

Thomas Eloy Fernandez

Official and campaign contacts

Only contact details published in official filing records, FEC filings, or a verified candidate-owned source with retained exact evidence appear here.

Florida candidate filing

Verified

267 NE 32nd Terrace · Homestead, FL 33033

(786)529-1461

[email protected]

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267 NE 32nd Terrace

Homestead, FL 33033

Phone: (786)529-1461

Email: [email protected]

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Experience

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Veteran and health-care professional

Candidate-stated

As a veteran, healthcare professional, husband, father, and community advocate, I have spent my life serving others and helping families navigate challenges.

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As a veteran, healthcare professional, husband, father, and community advocate, I have spent my life serving others and helping families navigate challenges.

Education

Candidate-stated

Education Miami Dade College; Weber State University; Rutgers School of Health

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Education Miami Dade College; Weber State University; Rutgers School of Health

Age

Candidate-stated

49

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49

Education

Candidate-stated

Miami Dade College; Weber State University; Rutgers School of Health

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Miami Dade College; Weber State University; Rutgers School of Health

Hometown

Candidate-stated

HOMESTEAD

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HOMESTEAD

County

Candidate-stated

Miami-Dade

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Miami-Dade

Positions and priorities

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Health care

Candidate position

That includes strengthening preventive care, supporting community health centers, expanding healthcare workforce development, and reducing barriers that prevent people from receiving timely treatment. We must also ensure that Medicaid resources are managed responsibly and efficiently so that vulnerable populations continue to receive the services they need.

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That includes strengthening preventive care, supporting community health centers, expanding healthcare workforce development, and reducing barriers that prevent people from receiving timely treatment.

We must also ensure that Medicaid resources are managed responsibly and efficiently so that vulnerable populations continue to receive the services they need.

Housing

Candidate position

I support increasing affordable and workforce housing opportunities, expanding pathways to homeownership, and encouraging innovative housing solutions that meet the needs of Florida's growing population. We must connect individuals and families to housing, healthcare, mental health services, employment opportunities, and other support systems that help people achieve long-term stability.

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I support increasing affordable and workforce housing opportunities, expanding pathways to homeownership, and encouraging innovative housing solutions that meet the needs of Florida's growing population.

We must connect individuals and families to housing, healthcare, mental health services, employment opportunities, and other support systems that help people achieve long-term stability.

Property insurance

Candidate position

We need greater transparency, stronger oversight, and accountability to ensure rates are fair and justified. Strengthening homes against storms, improving infrastructure, and supporting community resilience can help reduce losses and stabilize premiums.

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We need greater transparency, stronger oversight, and accountability to ensure rates are fair and justified.

Strengthening homes against storms, improving infrastructure, and supporting community resilience can help reduce losses and stabilize premiums.

Why are you running for this elected position? What are the two most compelling issues on which, if elected, you feel you can make a difference? ¿Por qué se postula para este cargo electo? ¿Cuáles son los dos temas más importantes en los que, si es electo/a, cree que puede hacer una diferencia para nuestro estado?

Candidate position

I am running for Governor because I believe Florida should work for the people who call it home. As a veteran, healthcare professional, husband, father, and community advocate, I have spent my life serving others and helping families navigate challenges. The two issues where I believe I can make the greatest difference are affordability and healthcare. Across Florida, families are struggling with rising housing costs, insurance premiums, and everyday expenses. Too many hardworking people are falling behind. We need practical solutions that help families achieve stability and build a better future. I am also passionate about affordable healthcare. My experience in healthcare has shown me how important quality care is to every family. No Floridian should have to choose between getting the care they need and paying their bills. I want to help build a Florida where every family has the opportunity to succeed.

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I am running for Governor because I believe Florida should work for the people who call it home. As a veteran, healthcare professional, husband, father, and community advocate, I have spent my life serving others and helping families navigate challenges. The two issues where I believe I can make the greatest difference are affordability and healthcare. Across Florida, families are struggling with rising housing costs, insurance premiums, and everyday expenses. Too many hardworking people are falling behind. We need practical solutions that help families achieve stability and build a better future. I am also passionate about affordable healthcare. My experience in healthcare has shown me how important quality care is to every family. No Floridian should have to choose between getting the care they need and paying their bills. I want to help build a Florida where every family has the opportunity to succeed.

What actions can be taken to protect Florida's environment, water quality and coastlines from pollution, overdevelopment and climate change? ¿Qué acciones pueden tomarse para proteger el medio ambiente de Florida, la calidad del agua y las costas frente a la contaminación, el desarrollo excesivo y el cambio climático?

Candidate position

Florida is one of the most beautiful states in the country. Protecting our environment, water quality, and coastlines is not just about preserving natural resources—it is about protecting our health, economy, homes, and way of life. Through my work in communities across Florida, I have seen how environmental issues affect everyday people. Clean drinking water, safe neighborhoods, healthy ecosystems, and resilient infrastructure are essential to strong communities. We must continue investing in Everglades restoration, protecting our waterways, reducing pollution, and improving stormwater infrastructure. As Florida grows, we must balance development with responsible planning so growth does not come at the expense of our environment or quality of life. We must also prepare for flooding, stronger storms, and other environmental challenges that impact our communities. By focusing on practical solutions, we can protect Florida's natural beauty for future generations.

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Florida is one of the most beautiful states in the country. Protecting our environment, water quality, and coastlines is not just about preserving natural resources—it is about protecting our health, economy, homes, and way of life. Through my work in communities across Florida, I have seen how environmental issues affect everyday people. Clean drinking water, safe neighborhoods, healthy ecosystems, and resilient infrastructure are essential to strong communities. We must continue investing in Everglades restoration, protecting our waterways, reducing pollution, and improving stormwater infrastructure. As Florida grows, we must balance development with responsible planning so growth does not come at the expense of our environment or quality of life. We must also prepare for flooding, stronger storms, and other environmental challenges that impact our communities. By focusing on practical solutions, we can protect Florida's natural beauty for future generations.

Equitable and affordable access to healthcare is declining, in part due to the decrease of federal insurance subsidies. At the same time, more Medicaid costs are being pushed onto the states. How should the state address these issues? El acceso equitativo y asequible a la atención médica está disminuyendo, en parte debido a la reducción de los subsidios federales de seguros. Al mismo tiempo, más costos de Medicaid se están trasladando a los estados. ¿Cómo debería el estado abordar estos problemas?

Candidate position

As a healthcare professional, I have seen firsthand how important affordable, accessible healthcare is to families, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities. Healthcare should not be a privilege available only to those who can afford it. Florida must work to increase access to quality care while controlling costs for patients and taxpayers. That includes strengthening preventive care, supporting community health centers, expanding healthcare workforce development, and reducing barriers that prevent people from receiving timely treatment. We must also ensure that Medicaid resources are managed responsibly and efficiently so that vulnerable populations continue to receive the services they need. Investing in preventive care and early intervention can improve health outcomes while reducing long-term costs. I believe healthcare decisions should focus on people, not politics. Every Floridian deserves access to quality, affordable healthcare.

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As a healthcare professional, I have seen firsthand how important affordable, accessible healthcare is to families, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities. Healthcare should not be a privilege available only to those who can afford it. Florida must work to increase access to quality care while controlling costs for patients and taxpayers. That includes strengthening preventive care, supporting community health centers, expanding healthcare workforce development, and reducing barriers that prevent people from receiving timely treatment. We must also ensure that Medicaid resources are managed responsibly and efficiently so that vulnerable populations continue to receive the services they need. Investing in preventive care and early intervention can improve health outcomes while reducing long-term costs. I believe healthcare decisions should focus on people, not politics. Every Floridian deserves access to quality, affordable healthcare.

The Florida Cabinet, acting as the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund, manages over 12 million acres of public lands. What is your philosophy on conservation, acquisition, and protection of natural resources, including Florida Forever projects, state parks, and coastal areas? El Gabinete de Florida, actuando como Junta de Fideicomisarios del Internal Improvement Trust Fund, administra más de 12 millones de acres de tierras públicas. ¿Cuál es su filosofía sobre la conservación, adquisición y protección de los recursos naturales, incluyendo proyectos de Florida Forever, parques estatales y zonas costeras?

Candidate position

Florida's public lands are one of our state's greatest assets. They protect our water supply, support wildlife, strengthen our economy, and provide places for families to enjoy the outdoors. Conservation is not just about protecting land—it is about protecting our quality of life. I support continued investment in programs such as Florida Forever, Everglades restoration, state parks, and coastal conservation efforts. As Florida continues to grow, we must make thoughtful decisions that balance development with the preservation of natural resources. Public lands should be managed responsibly, protected for future generations, and accessible to the people they serve. I believe we should prioritize protecting environmentally sensitive areas, preserving wildlife habitats, and safeguarding the natural resources that make Florida unique. By taking a practical, long-term approach, we can protect Florida's natural heritage while supporting strong communities and a healthy economy.

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Florida's public lands are one of our state's greatest assets. They protect our water supply, support wildlife, strengthen our economy, and provide places for families to enjoy the outdoors. Conservation is not just about protecting land—it is about protecting our quality of life. I support continued investment in programs such as Florida Forever, Everglades restoration, state parks, and coastal conservation efforts. As Florida continues to grow, we must make thoughtful decisions that balance development with the preservation of natural resources. Public lands should be managed responsibly, protected for future generations, and accessible to the people they serve. I believe we should prioritize protecting environmentally sensitive areas, preserving wildlife habitats, and safeguarding the natural resources that make Florida unique. By taking a practical, long-term approach, we can protect Florida's natural heritage while supporting strong communities and a healthy economy.

Insufficient housing is hurting Florida families and limiting Florida’s economy. What state measures do you support to address affordable housing and reduce homelessness? La falta de vivienda está afectando a las familias de Florida y limitando la economía del estado. ¿Qué medidas estatales apoya para abordar la vivienda asequible y reducir la falta de hogar?

Candidate position

Housing affordability is a major challenge facing Florida families today. Too many working families, seniors, veterans, and young adults are struggling to find housing they can afford, while homelessness continues to grow in many communities. I support increasing affordable and workforce housing opportunities, expanding pathways to homeownership, and encouraging innovative housing solutions that meet the needs of Florida's growing population. We should work with local governments, nonprofits, and private partners to increase housing availability while preserving community character and quality of life. Addressing homelessness requires more than temporary shelter. We must connect individuals and families to housing, healthcare, mental health services, employment opportunities, and other support systems that help people achieve long-term stability. Every Floridian deserves the opportunity to live in a safe, stable, and affordable home. Together, we can build a more secure future.

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Housing affordability is a major challenge facing Florida families today. Too many working families, seniors, veterans, and young adults are struggling to find housing they can afford, while homelessness continues to grow in many communities. I support increasing affordable and workforce housing opportunities, expanding pathways to homeownership, and encouraging innovative housing solutions that meet the needs of Florida's growing population. We should work with local governments, nonprofits, and private partners to increase housing availability while preserving community character and quality of life. Addressing homelessness requires more than temporary shelter. We must connect individuals and families to housing, healthcare, mental health services, employment opportunities, and other support systems that help people achieve long-term stability. Every Floridian deserves the opportunity to live in a safe, stable, and affordable home. Together, we can build a more secure future.

What is your long-term plan for public education, specifically concerning teacher retention, curriculum changes, and the role of parental rights laws? ¿Cuál es su plan a largo plazo para la educación pública, específicamente en relación con la retención de maestros, cambios en el currículo y el papel de las leyes de derechos de los padres?

Candidate position

A strong public education system is essential to Florida's future. My long-term goal is to ensure every student has access to a quality education while supporting the teachers, parents, and communities that make student success possible. Teacher retention begins with respect, support, and competitive compensation. We must create an environment where educators are valued, have access to professional development, and can focus on teaching and student achievement. I believe parents should be active partners in their children's education and should have a meaningful voice in decisions that affect their families. At the same time, our schools should remain focused on academic excellence, critical thinking, and preparing students for success after graduation. I also support expanding financial literacy, civics education, career and technical training, and practical life skills. Every student should graduate prepared for college, military service, a career, or entrepreneurship.

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A strong public education system is essential to Florida's future. My long-term goal is to ensure every student has access to a quality education while supporting the teachers, parents, and communities that make student success possible. Teacher retention begins with respect, support, and competitive compensation. We must create an environment where educators are valued, have access to professional development, and can focus on teaching and student achievement. I believe parents should be active partners in their children's education and should have a meaningful voice in decisions that affect their families. At the same time, our schools should remain focused on academic excellence, critical thinking, and preparing students for success after graduation. I also support expanding financial literacy, civics education, career and technical training, and practical life skills. Every student should graduate prepared for college, military service, a career, or entrepreneurship.

Polls indicate the public is more concerned about the cost of property insurance than property taxes. What is your view and why? Las encuestas indican que el público está más preocupado por el costo del seguro de propiedad que por los impuestos a la propiedad. ¿Cuál es su opinión y por qué?

Candidate position

Property insurance has become one of the biggest financial burdens facing Florida families. For many homeowners, insurance costs have increased far faster than wages, making it difficult to remain in their homes and plan for the future. I believe the state must take a balanced approach that protects consumers while maintaining a stable insurance market. We need greater transparency, stronger oversight, and accountability to ensure rates are fair and justified. We must also invest in mitigation efforts that reduce risk and lower costs over time. Strengthening homes against storms, improving infrastructure, and supporting community resilience can help reduce losses and stabilize premiums. Property taxes are important, but when families see insurance bills doubling or tripling, affordability becomes a serious concern. Florida families deserve practical solutions that make homeownership more affordable and sustainable. My focus is helping Floridians protect their homes.

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Property insurance has become one of the biggest financial burdens facing Florida families. For many homeowners, insurance costs have increased far faster than wages, making it difficult to remain in their homes and plan for the future. I believe the state must take a balanced approach that protects consumers while maintaining a stable insurance market. We need greater transparency, stronger oversight, and accountability to ensure rates are fair and justified. We must also invest in mitigation efforts that reduce risk and lower costs over time. Strengthening homes against storms, improving infrastructure, and supporting community resilience can help reduce losses and stabilize premiums. Property taxes are important, but when families see insurance bills doubling or tripling, affordability becomes a serious concern. Florida families deserve practical solutions that make homeownership more affordable and sustainable. My focus is helping Floridians protect their homes.

Public record

No attributable governing record identified

No attributable governing record identified

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As a veteran, healthcare professional, husband, father, and community advocate, I have spent my life serving others and helping families navigate challenges.

Campaign finance

Official filings may be amended after publication.

Florida Division of Elections totals captured through July 31, 2026 for 2026 election-cycle reports returned by the official search through capture time.

Total contributions
$9,616.00
Total expenditures
$17,654.10

Expenditures exceed the displayed contribution total. FactVote does not infer the reason or calculate cash on hand from these two search summaries.

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Summary of Candidates — Election Year: 2026 General Election — Office: Governor — Party: All — Thomas Eloy Fernandez — $9,616.00

Summary of Candidates — Election Year: 2026 General Election — Office: Governor — Party: All — Thomas Eloy Fernandez — $17,654.10

Open Florida Division of Elections record ↗

Sources

Every profile claim points back to retained source evidence.

  1. Election record

    Florida candidate detail — account 89629

    Florida Division of Elections

    Open Florida Division of Elections
  2. Official ballot

    2026 Democratic primary compilation ballot

    Polk County Supervisor of Elections

    Open Polk County Supervisor of Elections
  3. Campaign-finance record

    Candidate contributions search

    Florida Division of Elections

    Open Florida Division of Elections
  4. Campaign-finance record

    Candidate expenditures search

    Florida Division of Elections

    Open Florida Division of Elections
  5. Candidate questionnaire response

    2026 Florida governor voter guide responses

    League of Women Voters Education Fund

    Open League of Women Voters Education Fund
  6. Direct candidate response

    Thomas Eloy Fernandez direct candidate responses

    VOTE411

    Open VOTE411
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