Launch Your Campaign
You're in charge
You have a vision of what Charlotte County and Florida should be. We can connect you with experienced political minds who share that vision. We'll help you assemble a team, raise funds, and get out the vote. It's all hard work but every day candidates who have never run for an office are starting campaigns. And winning. And we can show you how.
Run for What?
Fifteen local offices are up for election in Charlotte County this year. While the Presidential race gets most of the news coverage, for most of us, local races are even more important. Scroll down for a list of local races you might be interested in. Some are full time jobs. Others are part time. By running you will raise your profile. And you will earn the respect of your neighbors and friends.
Run This Year
2026​
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Charlotte County (countywide / district offices on the 2026 ballot)
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County Commission (BOCC): Districts 2 and 4
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School Board: Districts 1 and 4
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Airport Authority: Seats 2 and 4
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Soil & Water Conservation District: Seats 1, 3, and 5
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City of Punta Gorda (municipal offices)
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City Council: Districts 1, 2, and 4 (all city voters vote “at-large,” but candidates must live in the district) — those seats show terms 2024–2026, meaning they’re up in 2026.
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Florida State Legislative Offices Affecting Charlotte County 2026 Election Cycle
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General Election: Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Primary Election (if contested): August 18, 2026
Florida State Senate
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Senate District 28 — up for election in 2026 (incumbent’s term expires 2026).
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Includes parts of Charlotte County? Some versions of SD 28 historically overlap nearby counties; but the confirmed district including Charlotte for staggered elections is:
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Senate District 28 (currently includes Collier & Hendry; parts of Lee) — up in 2026.
(Note: The Senator whose district overlaps Charlotte County for the next cycle is District 27, but that seat’s next election is in 2028.)
Florida House of Representatives
All House seats are up every even-numbered year — 2026 included.
The districts overlapping Charlotte County include:
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House District 75 — includes parts of Charlotte County & Sarasota County.
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House District 76 — Charlotte, DeSoto & northern Lee County.
(Depending on final redistricting maps, minor boundary tweaks can occur, but these are the districts currently covering Charlotte County territory.)
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Charlotte County (special district seats also elected in 2026)
These appear on the county ballot for voters within each district:
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Heritage Lake Park CDD: Seats 1, 2, 3
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Heritage Oak Park CDD: Seats 3, 4
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Riverwood CDD: Seats 2, 5
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Tern Bay CDD: Seats 2, 3, 5
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Waterford Estates CDD: Seats 2, 4
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The Charlotte County Supervisor of Elections (SoE) can provide more about local races and deadlines.
More on Charlotte Co.
Races
Resources to Run
The Florida Democratic Party (FDP) has compiled this "to-do" list to get your campaign running. Don't be intimidated! We'll walk you through every step.
Candidates in Local Races
Here are Democratic Candidates who have already filed in races affecting Charlotte County
U.S. Representative
CD-17
Matthew Montavon and Allen Spence will face off in the August Democratic Primary. The winner will face incumbent Greg Steube in the November General Election
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State Representative
District 76
Phil Carter is running to represent eastern Charlotte County, North Fort Myers, and DeSoto County in State House District 76. He will face incumbent Vanessa Oliver in the November General Election.