John Morgan Announces New Florida Political Party, $100K Naming Contest

ORLANDO, FL – Renowned Orlando attorney and major political donor, John Morgan, has announced he will not be running for Florida governor in 2026. However, Morgan isn’t stepping away from the political arena. Instead, he’s embarking on a new venture: launching a brand-new political party in Florida and offering a substantial $100,000 prize to the individual who suggests the winning name.

The announcement came via a video posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, putting an end to months of speculation about whether the highly visible lawyer would enter the gubernatorial race. Morgan, founder of the national personal-injury firm Morgan & Morgan, believes Florida’s current two-party system is failing to represent the views of many voters.

A Shift from Gubernatorial Run to Party Building

“For about the last year and a half, a lot of people have been asking me to run for governor,” Morgan stated in the video. “It’s a real honor. But I’m not going to do it.” He argues that his previous work supporting statewide ballot initiatives has had a greater impact on Floridians than he believes he could achieve as governor.

Morgan has been a key player in several significant Florida ballot initiatives over the past decade, providing substantial financial backing for the legalization of medical marijuana and the increase of the state’s minimum wage to $15 per hour. Both initiatives successfully passed, despite Florida’s stringent 60% threshold for constitutional amendments, solidifying Morgan’s reputation as a powerful political financier.

Why a Third Party in Florida?

While Morgan has previously considered a run for governor – including in 2018 and leading up to the 2026 election – he ultimately concluded that the role wasn’t the right fit. He expressed a preference for spending time with family and maintaining a lifestyle incompatible with the demands of public office.

However, Morgan is convinced that a new party could provide a platform for Floridians who feel unrepresented by the existing Democratic and Republican parties. He believes a majority of Floridians share common ground on many issues, and a new party could bridge the partisan divide.

The $100,000 Naming Contest

To generate excitement and public engagement, Morgan will host a public contest to name the new party, with a $100,000 cash prize awarded to the winning submission. Details regarding contest entry, duration, and winner selection are forthcoming. Morgan has confirmed he is working to ensure the contest adheres to all relevant state and federal laws.

Florida’s Political Landscape in 2026

This move comes at a pivotal time for Florida politics, as Governor Ron DeSantis is term-limited. Republican U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds has emerged as an early frontrunner, backed by an endorsement from President Trump and significant fundraising success. Democrats are also rallying behind potential candidates, including former U.S. Rep. David Jolly, with other independent bids being explored.

As of early 2026, Florida’s voter registration data shows a Republican advantage, alongside a growing number of independent and unaffiliated voters. Political analysts suggest this dynamic explains the appeal – and the challenges – of launching a viable third party in the state. Building a competitive party requires extensive legal filings, candidate recruitment, fundraising, and meeting ballot access requirements across all 67 Florida counties.

Despite his wealth and name recognition, experts caution that establishing a successful political party from scratch is a long-term undertaking. Morgan has emphasized that his effort is independent of national third-party movements like No Labels and intends for the party to be uniquely focused on Florida’s interests. He also plans to continue supporting candidates from both major parties during the party’s formative stages.

Morgan’s ultimate goal is to initiate a broader conversation about political polarization, starting with a name that embodies the party’s mission. “I believe what ails us is the two-party system,” Morgan concluded. “And I think Florida could be the place where something new begins.”

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