Juan Santana of Hialeah is running for Florida lieutenant governor in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election as the running mate of No Party Affiliation 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: "Republican," Santana said in our questionnaire. BallotReady election data lists him as No Party Preference for this race.

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: "No," Santana said in our questionnaire.

Other candidates in this race: Benjiman Rojas, Bryan Avila, Gwen Graham, Joe Van Vactor, Nicole Skelly, Rachel Rodriguez and Ruben A. Coto, according to BallotReady election data.

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

Ballotpedia lists him as a nonprofit executive and property management professional. He ran for mayor of Hialeah 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. … 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

Accomplishments: Asked what evidence he can handle the job, Santana said in our questionnaire: "I founded and run Positive Hits Community Service Group. … I built a for-profit company in e-commerce and internet marketing from the ground up. … I've done both at the same time — balancing mission and margin, volunteers and vendors."

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

Best advice: Santana cited Mark 10:45 in our questionnaire: "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve."