Trump's Florida Problem: The Midterms and a Political Shift | Nikki Fried

Are Republicans trying to keep Donald Trump away from the campaign trail—even in his home state?

Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried joins Jennifer Taylor-Skinner on The Margin to discuss the 2026 midterms, Trump's influence on Republican candidates, and the race to replace Governor Ron DeSantis.

Fried says she's hearing that Florida Republicans are urging the White House to limit Trump's campaign appearances. She also discusses why Trump-endorsed Byron Donalds is attempting to establish some distance from the president as he faces Democrat David Jolly.

In this conversation:

• Why Trump's influence is becoming a campaign issue in Florida• Byron Donalds, David Jolly, and the governor's race• Billionaire donors and their influence on Florida politics• AI data centers, environmental concerns, and Republican-led states• Florida's attorney general race and political accountability• Why Fried believes Florida could signal a broader national political shift• The Democratic Party's long-term strategy for rebuilding in the South

Florida hasn't elected a Democratic governor in nearly 30 years. Could the 2026 midterms mark a turning point?

The Margin is a special midterm election series from The Electorette, produced in collaboration with URL Media.

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