Juan Santana is running for Florida lieutenant governor in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. The Hialeah-based nonprofit executive is 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."

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

Candidate information

Birthplace: Miami, Florida, according to Ballotpedia.

Residence: Hialeah, Florida, according to the Florida Division of Elections.

Party affiliation: "Republican," Santana said in our questionnaire. BallotReady election data lists him under No Party Preference for this race. He is running on the ticket of No Party Affiliation gubernatorial candidate Datto.

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 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. He also works as a property management professional, according to Ballotpedia.

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

He has run for Hialeah mayor in 2013, 2017 and 2021, and for Hialeah City Council seats in 2022, 2024 and 2025, according to Ballotpedia and the Miami Herald.

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." He added: "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

What sets him apart: Asked about critical 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. I run Positive Hits Community Service Group, where I've seen firsthand what Florida families actually struggle with — because I've been in the rooms with them, delivering help, not just talking about it."

Accomplishments: Asked what evidence he would cite for handling the job, Santana said in our questionnaire: "First, 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."

Housing: Santana has said he is running to stop "rising property taxes, gentrification and displacement" of residents, according to Florida Politics.

Best advice: 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."