Juan Santana, a Hialeah nonprofit leader, is running for Florida lieutenant governor in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. He is the running mate of gubernatorial candidate Jeffrey Peter "Dr. Jeff" Datto. Santana filed his candidacy on Aug. 27, 2026, according to the Florida Division of Elections.

Asked why he is running, Santana said in our candidate questionnaire: "I am running for Lieutenant Governor because I believe Florida needs leaders who are willing to listen to the people, bring communities together, and make government more accountable and responsive. My decision comes from years of community service and working directly with families, working people, seniors, people with disabilities, small businesses, and communities that often feel that their voices are not being heard."

Other candidates in the race are Bryan Avila (Republican), Gwen Graham (Democratic), Benjiman Rojas (No Party Preference), Joe Van Vactor (No Party Preference), Nicole Skelly (Libertarian), Rachel Rodriguez (No Party Preference) and Ruben A. Coto (No Party Preference).

Candidate information

Born: Miami, Florida, according to Ballotpedia

Residence: Hialeah, FL

Party affiliation: "Republican," Santana said in our questionnaire. BallotReady election data lists him under No Party Preference.

Education: "FIU/Miami Dade political science construction management," Santana said in our questionnaire. Ballotpedia lists a high school diploma from Miami Coral Park Senior High and a bachelor's degree from Florida International University in 2006.

Family: "I am married to a beautiful woman named Jessica Santana. I have a step child named Raudi Candame and I'm also a caregiver of my best friend," Santana said in our questionnaire.

Family in politics or government: "No," Santana said in our questionnaire.

Experience and public service

Santana serves as vice president of Positive Hits Community Service Group South, according to Florida Politics. He is also listed as a nonprofit executive and property management professional, according to Ballotpedia.

He said in our questionnaire that he sits on the community advocacy board of Miami-Dade County.

Santana has run for office several times in Hialeah. He was a candidate for mayor in 2013, 2017 and 2021, according to Ballotpedia. He ran for a Hialeah City Council interim seat in 2022 and 2024, according to the Miami Herald, and for Hialeah City Council Group IV in 2025, according to Ballotpedia.

Asked about his work history, Santana said in our questionnaire: "I have worked directly with individuals and families throughout South Florida, helping connect people with community resources, social services, employment opportunities, and other assistance needed to improve their quality of life … I also serve in leadership with Positive Hits Community Service Group, a nonprofit organization focused on serving underprivileged families and providing community assistance."

On the issues

Asked what accomplishments show he can handle the job, Santana said in our questionnaire: "I founded and run Positive Hits Community Service Group … I wrote the budget, managed the board, dealt with state compliance, and delivered results with limited resources — that's exactly what governing is. Second, I built a for-profit company in e-commerce and internet marketing from the ground up … I've met payrolls, hired Floridians, and survived market swings."

Asked about differences between himself and other candidates, Santana said in our questionnaire: "Most candidates in this race have spent their careers in politics. I've spent mine in the community and in business … The critical difference is simple: my opponents study these problems from a podium. I've lived them."

Santana has also spoken about housing affordability. He said he is running to stop "rising property taxes, gentrification and displacement" of residents, according to Florida Politics.

Asked about the best advice he has received, Santana cited Mark 10:45 in our questionnaire: "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve."

The general election is Nov. 3, 2026.