Frank Russo is running for governor of Florida as an independent candidate with no party preference in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.

Russo filed his candidacy on Nov. 13, 2025, and qualified on June 8, 2026, by paying the qualifying fee, according to the Florida Division of Elections. His running mate is Rachel Rodriguez.

Russo said he launched a "People First — Humanity Over the Dollar" campaign focused on affordability, housing, insurance and workforce opportunities for Floridians, according to a press release announcing his candidacy.

Candidate information

Name: Frank J. Russo

Party: No Party Preference

Office sought: Florida Governor

Running mate: Rachel Rodriguez

Residence: New Smyrna Beach, Florida

Background: Russo said he is a lifelong Floridian raised in a working-class family as one of eleven children.

Experience and public service

Russo describes himself as an entrepreneur, insurance executive and real estate developer. He said he led major development projects including the Queen's Gambit Castle. He also said he has spearheaded humanitarian relief programs for children, veterans and families.

On the issues

The following positions are drawn from Russo's campaign materials.

Affordable housing: Russo proposes launching a 250-unit mixed-income pilot called the Humanity Building Foundation to provide safe housing for families, veterans and seniors.

Property insurance reform: Russo proposes reinstating an elected insurance commissioner and creating hurricane-only catastrophe products to stabilize premiums.

Property taxes: Russo proposes cutting property taxes on qualifying primary residences while streamlining government and improving accountability.

Education and workforce: Russo proposes raising teacher pay by 50%, restoring skilled trade education and creating reskilling programs for the artificial intelligence era.

Government accountability: Russo said he would donate 100% of his governor's annual salary each year if elected. He also proposes transparent budgeting and measurable governance standards.

Other candidates

According to BallotReady election data, other candidates in the race include Byron Donalds (Republican) and David Jolly (Democratic). No Party Preference candidates include Charles Burkett, Dean Ocean Abrams, Jeffrey Peter Datto and Moliere Dimanche. Scott Jewett is running as a Libertarian.