(PENSACOLA, Fla.) — OpGov.News has been monitoring results from the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. The unofficial returns show victories in statewide and local contests, along with results for Florida Amendments 1, 2 and 3.
Escambia County voter turnout in 2026 is compared below with turnout in the 2024 presidential election.
According to figures cited from the Escambia County Supervisor of Elections, 116,718 ballots were cast among 207,353 active registered voters on Nov. 3, 2026, for reported turnout of 56.29%. On Nov. 5, 2024, 164,515 ballots were cast among 214,651 active registered voters, for 76.64% turnout. Based on those reported percentages, turnout fell 20.35 percentage points. The comparison is between a presidential election and a midterm election; the underlying voter totals should be checked against the county’s latest official report before publication.www.escambiavotes.gov
GOVERNOR
Byron Donalds (R) 50.02%, 4,132,112 votes
David Jolly (D) 48.71%, 4,024,180 votes
Byron Donalds became Florida’s first Black governor-elect.
In his victory speech, Donalds thanked Gov. Ron DeSantis and spoke about Florida remaining Republican.
Photo: Governor-elect Byron Donalds speaking.
U.S. Senate, Florida (special election)
Ashley Moody (R) 54.3%, 62,985 votes
Angie Nixon (D) 44.5%, 51,672 votes
Ashley Moody won the U.S. Senate election for the seat previously held by Marco Rubio.
U.S. House, Florida’s 1st Congressional District
Jimmy Patronis (R) 62.56%, 181,723 votes
Gay Valimont (D) 35.61%, 103,429 votes
At his election-night watch party, Patronis thanked Northwest Florida voters for participating despite the effects of a hurricane.
Escambia County Commissioner, District 2
Mike Kohler (R) 56.32%, 9,989 votes
Mathious D. Robinson (D) 43.35%, 7,688 votes; write-in: 58 votes (0.33%)
Kohler won re-election to the District 2 seat, which he first won in November 2022.
Photo Credit: Escambia County Commissioner Mike Kohler.
Escambia County Commissioner, District 4
Ashlee Hofberger (R) 50.02%, 12,947 votes
Joe Vinson (NPA) 49.98%, 12,936 votes
The unofficial election-night count showed incumbent Ashlee Hofberger leading Joe Vinson by 11 votes, not a tie. The margin falls within Florida’s threshold for an automatic machine recount. OpGov.News will continue to follow the recount and any updated results.
Emerald Coast Utilities Authority, District 2
Lois Benson (R) 58%, 10,149 votes
Gloria Horning (I) 42%, 7,250 votes
Benson has held the office since 2004.
Voters also considered Florida constitutional Amendments 1, 2 and 3.
Florida Amendment 1 failed, with approximately 40.90% voting yes and 59.10% voting no statewide.
Florida Amendment 2 failed, despite receiving approximately 58.22% support statewide. Constitutional amendments require at least 60% approval to pass.
Florida Amendment 3 passed with approximately 61.99% voting yes and 38.01% voting no statewide.
OpGov.News will follow up on what the amendment results mean for the community.
Escambia County voters also approved renewal of the one-cent local option sales tax, with approximately 75% in favor and 25% opposed.
OpGov.News will provide updates as new results become available, including interviews with candidates and residents.
To submit corrections or additional information about this report, contact james.b@lead4earth.org or leave a comment below.
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