Palm Harbor and Dunedin voters heading to the polls for the Aug. 18 primary will decide more than local contests. Three major state and federal races are on the ballot, and early voting at Pinellas County's three sites ends Sunday, Aug. 16.

Here's what registered party members will see.

Governor: open seat for first time in eight years

Gov. Ron DeSantis is term-limited. A new governor takes office Jan. 5, 2027.

On the Republican side, U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds of Naples leads the field with about 49% in polling averages and $103 million raised through July 31, according to the Orlando Sentinel. Donalds carries President Trump's endorsement. Lt. Gov. Jay Collins trails at 10-18%, followed by businessman James Fishback and former House Speaker Paul Renner.

The Democratic frontrunner is David Jolly, a former Republican congressman who represented Pinellas County's District 13 from 2014 to 2017 before registering as a Democrat in April 2025. Jolly holds a 36-point primary lead over state Rep. Dotie Joseph and has named former congresswoman Gwen Graham as his running mate. He has raised $9.4 million through July 24.

A University of North Florida poll conducted July 8-17 showed Donalds leading Jolly 46%-41% in a hypothetical general election matchup. Top voter concerns: inflation, housing costs, property taxes and property insurance.

U.S. Senate: special election to fill Rubio's seat

Sen. Ashley Moody, appointed by DeSantis after Marco Rubio became Secretary of State in 2025, faces voters for the first time. Three lower-profile Republican challengers are also on the ballot: Chris Gleason, Dr. Neelam Taneja Perry and Rev. Ernest "Ernie" Rivera.

Democrats choose between retired Army Lt. Col. Alex Vindman, who has raised $19 million since entering the race in January, and Jacksonville state Rep. Angie Nixon, a three-term progressive legislator.

Speaking on WUSF's "The Florida Roundup" on Monday, July 27, Vindman framed the race around affordability: "People are fleeing the state, or just simply struggling. It's a desert for young people in their 20s."

The winner of each party's primary advances to a November special election. Whoever wins serves the final two years of Rubio's term and must run again in 2028, according to WFLX.

U.S. House District 12: the local race

WTSP identifies District 12 as covering Palm Harbor. Republican incumbent Gus Bilirakis, seeking his 11th term, is unopposed in the GOP primary. Democratic voters will pick his November challenger from two candidates: Darren McAuley, Florida's State Air Surgeon and a retired Air Force colonel who served six tours in Iraq and Syria, and Kimberly Overman, a former Hillsborough County Commissioner.

McAuley has raised roughly $700,000 through June compared to Overman's $200,000, according to the Tampa Bay Times. He released a poll showing him within 2 points of Bilirakis and has endorsements from former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly.

The DCCC added District 12 to its "Districts in Play" list after redistricting shifted the seat from a district where Trump won about 67% to one where he won about 57%, according to Florida Politics. Cook Political Report and Sabato's Crystal Ball still rate it "likely Republican."

How and where to vote

It's a closed primary. Only registered Republicans vote in Republican primaries; only registered Democrats vote in Democratic primaries. Unaffiliated voters see only nonpartisan races.

Early voting runs through Sunday, Aug. 16, at three Pinellas County locations: 13001 Starkey Road in Largo, 501 First Ave. North in St. Petersburg and 315 Court St. in Clearwater. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The Dunedin Public Library at 223 Douglas Ave. is accepting mail ballot drop-offs through Saturday, Aug. 15, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding Sundays. Mail ballots must be received by the Supervisor of Elections office by 7 p.m. on Election Day and are not accepted at polling places.

On Election Day, Tuesday, Aug. 18, polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Bring a current photo ID with your signature. Voters can confirm their district and find their polling place at VotePinellas.gov or by calling 727-464-8683.