Former Florida state Senator José Javier Rodríguez secured the Democratic nomination for Florida Attorney General on June 13 after no other Democrat filed to challenge him, setting up a fall contest against Republican incumbent James Uthmeier.
Rodríguez, who also served as an Assistant Labor Secretary, will face Uthmeier — appointed to the post last year by Governor Ron DeSantis after serving as DeSantis’s Chief of Staff — in the November general election.
What Happened
With the Democratic field uncontested, Rodríguez earned his party’s nomination by qualifying alone. He confirmed the development in a statement, saying, “Today it is official: I am honored to be the Democratic nominee for Florida Attorney General.”
His campaign has centered on three themes: reducing crime, lowering costs for Florida residents, and combating corruption. “As the People’s Lawyer, I will fight to make our communities safer, bring down costs for working families, and hold the powerful accountable,” he said.
By the Numbers
The fundraising gap between the two candidates is substantial heading into the general. Rodríguez’s campaign has raised approximately $641,000 and spent around $366,000.
Uthmeier’s campaign account has taken in more than $1.3 million while spending roughly $266,000, leaving him with a significant cash reserve. His affiliated committee, Friends of James Uthmeier, has raised more than $7.8 million — a figure that dwarfs Rodríguez’s total fundraising — while spending less than $770,000, preserving a large war chest for the general election campaign.
Zoom Out
The Florida Attorney General’s race is one of several statewide contests where Democrats are working to rebuild competitiveness in a state that has shifted firmly toward Republicans over the past several election cycles. Rodríguez’s background as a legislator and federal appointee gives him name recognition, but he enters the race with a considerable financial disadvantage.
Florida Democrats have been active at the congressional level as well, with candidates like Navy veteran Bale Dalton joining national party infrastructure programs aimed at contesting seats seen as reachable. Statewide races remain a steeper climb.
The attorney general’s office carries significant weight in Florida, overseeing consumer protection, criminal appeals, and civil enforcement — issues that have become politically contested territory as the state’s budget and fiscal priorities remain subjects of ongoing debate at the Capitol.
What’s Next
Rodríguez and Uthmeier will face voters in November. Uthmeier will be defending a seat he holds by appointment rather than election, which could become a campaign issue. Rodríguez will need to close a substantial fundraising gap while making the case to Florida voters that a change in the office is warranted.