Santana runs for Florida lieutenant governor on service platform

Juan Santana, a Hialeah nonprofit executive, is running for Florida lieutenant governor in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. He is the running mate of No Party Affiliation gubernatorial candidate Jeffrey Peter "Dr. Jeff" Datto, according to the Florida Division of Elections. Santana filed as a candidate on Aug. 27, 2026.

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," he said.

Candidate information

Residence: Hialeah, FL

Birthplace: Miami, Florida, according to Ballotpedia

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: 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: "No," Santana said in our questionnaire.

Party affiliation: "Republican," Santana said in our questionnaire. The Division of Elections also lists him as Republican. BallotReady election data lists Santana under No Party Preference for this race.

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."

Experience and public service

Santana serves as vice president of Positive Hits Community Service Group South, according to Florida Politics. He is also a 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 multiple times. He was a candidate for mayor of Hialeah in 2013, 2017 and 2021 and for Hialeah City Council Group IV in 2025, according to Ballotpedia. He ran for a Hialeah City Council interim seat in 2022 and 2024, according to the Miami Herald.

Asked about accomplishments that 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," he said.

On the issues

Why he says he is different: 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."

He added: "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."

Housing and property taxes: Santana said he is running to stop "rising property taxes, gentrification and displacement" of residents, according to Florida Politics, in coverage of a previous Hialeah race.

Work history: Santana said in our questionnaire: "My work history is rooted in community service, leadership, workforce development, and helping people overcome barriers to employment and economic opportunity … My experience also includes helping people with disabilities pursue employment and become more independent."