The race for Florida’s 1st Congressional District is heating up ahead of the November 2026 general election as Gulf Breeze resident and Democratic nominee Gay Valimont announced her intention to run for a third time, hoping to unseat incumbent Rep. Jimmy Patronis.

Republican Florida gubernatorial candidate James Fishback drew a large crowd of younger voters during a campaign stop Feb. 23 at Ace’s Hanger Southern Grill and Bar in Milton, where supporters cited concerns ranging from overdevelopment and affordability to religious values and generational political change.

Santa Rosa County officials say they are bracing for tough budget decisions as they update a long‑range strategic plan that will guide infrastructure, growth and county services over the next decade. Rising costs, slowing revenue growth and uncertainty from state legislation could strain future funding, leaders warned.