Attorney John Morgan says he won't run for Florida governor

Morgan, an advocate of recreational marijuana, ended speculation about whether he'd be a candidate.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 4:03pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A serene, cinematic painting depicting a lone government building or political office space, with warm sunlight streaming in through the windows and deep shadows cast across the scene, creating a contemplative, nostalgic mood.The withdrawal of a prominent political figure from the Florida governor's race leaves an open field for other candidates to make their mark.Today in Jacksonville

John Morgan, the 70-year-old founder of the Morgan & Morgan law firm, announced on social media that he will not run for Florida governor in 2026. Morgan, who has been a prominent advocate for legalizing recreational marijuana in the state, cited his age and desire to spend more time with his grandchildren as reasons for not entering the race.

Why it matters

Morgan's decision not to run for governor removes a potentially significant candidate from the 2026 race. As a wealthy and well-known figure, Morgan's entry would have shaken up the field and potentially impacted the policy debates, particularly around marijuana legalization.

The details

In his social media announcement, Morgan said he likes 'living in Hawaii, I do like my marijuana and I do like spending time with my grandchildren.' He also noted that he wouldn't be able to take his 'gummies during hurricane season' if he were governor. Morgan played a key role in legalizing medical marijuana in Florida and campaigned for the unsuccessful push to allow recreational use. He had openly floated the idea of running for governor, but ultimately decided against it, saying 'there was really one way I would do it — if someone entered the race that I really had a problem with, and I don't think that's going to happen.'

  • On April 14, 2026, Morgan announced on social media that he would not run for Florida governor.

The players

John Morgan

The 70-year-old founder of the Morgan & Morgan law firm, a prominent advocate for legalizing recreational marijuana in Florida.

Byron Donalds

A U.S. Representative who is leading the polls on the Republican side for the 2026 Florida governor's race, with the endorsement of former President Donald Trump.

Paul Renner

A former state House Speaker who is running as a Republican candidate for Florida governor in 2026.

Jay Collins

The current Lieutenant Governor of Florida, running as a Republican candidate for governor in 2026.

James Fishback

An investor running as a Republican candidate for Florida governor in 2026.

David Jolly

A former Republican U.S. Representative who left the party because of Donald Trump, and is now running as a Democratic candidate for Florida governor in 2026.

Jerry Demings

The Orange County mayor, a former sheriff and police chief, running as a Democratic candidate for Florida governor in 2026.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'm not going to do it because Mother Time is getting away from me.”

— John Morgan, Founder, Morgan & Morgan law firm

“I do like living in Hawaii, I do like my marijuana and I do like spending time with my grandchildren.”

— John Morgan, Founder, Morgan & Morgan law firm

“I wouldn't be able to take my gummies during hurricane season.”

— John Morgan, Founder, Morgan & Morgan law firm

“If I was your governor, I would free or parole every person in jail for possession then expunge everyone's record.”

— John Morgan, Founder, Morgan & Morgan law firm

“There was really one way I would do it — if someone entered the race that I really had a problem with, and I don't think that's going to happen.”

— John Morgan, Founder, Morgan & Morgan law firm

The takeaway

Morgan's decision not to run for Florida governor removes a potentially significant candidate from the 2026 race, but it also highlights the challenges of running for high-profile political offices, especially for wealthy individuals like Morgan who have other interests and priorities. His advocacy for marijuana legalization and his desire to spend more time with family were key factors in his decision not to enter the race.