On August 28th Floridians will decide who will be on the 2018 midterm election ballot for governor, Senate, and House of Representatives. The nation is paying close attention to the Florida primary election, as a guide to see if the Democratic party can shift the majority Republican Congress. The current governor, Rick Scott, will be challenging incumbent Senator Bill Nelson in a much-anticipated and tight election.

There are several candidates vying to replace Rick Scott, and President Donald Trump has been quick to show his support for Republican Ron DeSantis. President Trump backed DeSantis saying he would be, “strong on borders, tough on crime [and] big on cutting taxes.” The other Republican running for office is Adam Putnam, the Florida agriculture commissioner. Putnam’s campaign has focused on local sheriffs and blue-collar problems. DeSantis is currently leading in the polls, but with a week left until the primary Putnam has a chance to impress Florida voters.

There are several more candidates on the Democratic ballot for governor. Gwen Graham the former representative for Florida’s 2nd Congressional District and daughter of the former governor, Bob Graham, appears to currently be leading democratic polls. Graham has been viewed as a more moderate democratic, making her more popular among moderate voters, but costing her the support of several progressive groups. Phillip Levine seems to be Graham’s main competition. Levine, the former mayor of Miami, has worked to appease the more progressive voters and big-business owners. Levine lacks the same name-recognition as Graham but has the potential to climb in the polls before the primary election.

Several other local elections are taking place throughout the state and with the nation watching, it is essential that Florida voters go to the polls informed on both state and local issues.