Juan Santana of Hialeah is running for Florida lieutenant governor in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election as the running mate of gubernatorial candidate Jeffrey Peter "Dr. Jeff" Datto.

Asked why he is seeking the office, 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."

Candidate information

Hometown: Born in Miami, according to Ballotpedia. His address on file with the Florida Division of Elections is in Hialeah.

Party: Listed as No Party Preference in BallotReady election data. The Florida Division of Elections also lists him as Republican. Asked about party affiliation in our questionnaire, Santana said: "Republican."

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

Family: Asked about his family, Santana said in our questionnaire: "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."

Family in politics: Asked whether anyone in his family works in politics or government, Santana said: "No."

Experience and public service

Santana filed as a lieutenant governor candidate on Aug. 27, 2026, according to the Florida Division of Elections. He serves as vice president of Positive Hits Community Service Group South, according to Florida Politics. Asked about previous or current appointed offices, Santana said in our questionnaire: "I sit on the community advocacy board of Miami-Dade County current."

He has run for office before. Santana ran for Hialeah mayor in 2013, 2017 and 2021, according to Ballotpedia. He was a candidate for Hialeah City Council interim seats in 2022 and 2024, according to the Miami Herald, and for Hialeah City Council Group IV in 2025, according to Ballotpedia. Ballotpedia also lists him as a nonprofit executive and property management professional.

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 …"

Asked about critical differences between himself and other candidates, Santana said: "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."

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

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