Biden donor weighs third-party bid for Florida governor
Orlando-based attorney and former President Biden donor John Morgan is weighing a third-party run for Florida governor in 2026.
Morgan, who switched his registration from Democrat to independent, told The Hill on Monday that many have urged him to run following his success in leading two separate statewide ballot measures to legalize medical marijuana in 2016 and to raise the state’s minimum wage in 2020.
“My success with two statewide ballot initiatives I think has given some people a look at me,” Morgan said in an email. “But a ballot initiative is far different than an election,” he continued, adding “an election is much more cut throat.”
Morgan told Politico earlier this month that he was considering launching a bid under the banner of “the Capitalist Party.” On Monday he appeared to float running under what he called “the People’s Party.”
“The only people being protected in Florida are fat cats and insurance companies. There needs to be a party, for the people,” Morgan said, appearing to reference the slogan of his firm Morgan & Morgan.
However, Morgan, 68, noted that his age would be a factor in his decision.
“I would only serve one term. I believe that the age of 75 should be the cut off age for running for office. Our country is littered with nursing home patients moonlighting as senators, congressmen and many mayors,” Morgan said. “It’s beyond gross and inefficient. [Rep. Nancy] Pelosi [D-Calif.] is my exception to that rule. She is a machine with a heart.”
Morgan made headlines earlier this year when he said he would not fundraise for Vice President Harris following Biden dropping out of the presidential race and endorsing her.
The attorney has also been dubbed “Pot Daddy” for his marijuana legalization efforts in Florida. Earlier this year he supported Amendment 3, which would have legalized recreational marijuana in the state. The amendment ended up failing.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) is term limited ahead of the 2026 election. Florida Rep. Byron Donalds has been floated to run as a Republican, while Rep. Jared Moskowitz has been floated as a possible Democratic contender.