MIAMI — Billionaire trial lawyer John Morgan has decided against running as an independent candidate for governor of Florida. However, he intends to establish a new political party in the state soon.
Morgan, who founded the prominent Orlando-based personal injury firm Morgan & Morgan and has been a significant donor to Democrats, had been considering a gubernatorial run in 2026 for over a year. He ultimately chose to prioritize his lifestyle and family time, as he explained on Monday in a video shared on X.
“I enjoy living in Hawaii, my marijuana, and spending time with my grandchildren,” said Morgan, who is now registered as a no-party affiliated voter, referencing his time spent outside Florida.
Morgan is offering $100,000 to anyone who can help him name his new party. While some suggestions have already been made on X, Morgan informed POLITICO via text that he plans to release guidelines for submissions shortly.
“I need to ensure compliance with the law for such contests and establish strict rules,” he stated. “Only one winner is possible, and multiple people might suggest the same name.”
His announcement arrives about two months before the deadline for qualifying to run for Florida governor. Morgan could have disrupted the race due to his widespread recognition from advertising, his financial resources, and his successful efforts to legalize medical marijuana and raise the minimum wage in Florida.
GOP Rep. Byron Donalds, endorsed by President Donald Trump, has become a frontrunner in the race, amassing $67 million. Other Republicans aiming to succeed term-limited Governor Ron DeSantis include Lt. Gov. Jay Collins and former state House Speaker Paul Renner.
On the Democratic side, former Rep. David Jolly leads in polls and fundraising against Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, a former sheriff and spouse to Val Demings, both of whom have previously received Morgan’s support.
When asked about the current candidates, Morgan did not specify whom he might financially support but mentioned that despite establishing a third party, he plans to donate to both major parties. He said his decision would be based on choosing “the lesser of two evils,” noting his long-standing support for friends like Jerry Demings.
Morgan expressed admiration for state Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, whom he would have preferred as a gubernatorial candidate. Morgan praised Simpson, a former state Senate president and egg farmer, as “one of the finest men I have ever met” who genuinely cares about people.
Morgan has previously spoken highly of Simpson, who has not filed for reelection as agriculture commissioner but has Trump’s endorsement and $33.4 million in his political committees.
In his video message, Morgan blamed the two-party system for the country’s problems, arguing that most people share common ground on many issues. A year ago, Morgan considered naming his third party the “Capitalist Party.” He shifted his voter registration from Democratic several years ago due to disagreements with party positions.
Morgan stated he would have entered the governor’s race if someone he strongly opposed had run. He reflected on the campaign demands, realizing, “I’m not the kind of guy that can campaign door to door, go to Wawas or Buc-ees and cut yellow ribbons for grand openings.”
“And then I started thinking about the hurricanes,” Morgan added. “I like to go to bed with a gummy, and I wouldn’t be able to take my gummies during hurricane season. So I didn’t like that either.”
