Russo-Rodriguez ticket unites business leadership, legal experience and a shared commitment to affordability, accountability and Florida families
NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. – September 1, 2026 – Frank Russo, the independent candidate for Governor of Florida, today announced Republican primary gubernatorial candidate Rachel Rodriguez as his choice for Lieutenant Governor, officially forming the Russo-Rodriguez 2026 ticket.
Rodriguez is a Palm Beach attorney, 20-year litigator, working mother, business builder and Cuban American whose gubernatorial campaign centered on faith, freedom, government accountability and protecting Florida families.
Her priorities include reforming the Department of Children and Families and Florida’s family courts, restoring health freedom, defending parental rights, easing the burden on working families and protecting Florida’s land from irresponsible and destructive development.
Her decision to join Russo’s independent campaign brings together two candidates from different political journeys and with a unified commitment to the People of Florida. Florida’s future must not be sacrificed to party labels.
“Rachel Rodriguez does not back down when families, freedom or the rule of law are at stake,” Russo said. “She has spent 20 years fighting through a legal system that too often feels designed to wear ordinary people down. She understands where government is failing Florida families — and she has the courage, faith and experience to help us fix it.”
Russo said Rodriguez brings a strong, principled voice to a ticket built around listening to Floridians, challenging broken systems and delivering measurable results.
“I have spent more than 30 years in business solving problems, managing budgets and holding people accountable,” Russo said. “Rachel has spent her career fighting for people inside systems that can be confusing, costly and unfair. Together, we will bring the business discipline, legal experience and moral clarity Florida needs.”
Rodriguez said her campaign for the People of Florida is still on course, even though the gubernatorial primary may have ended.
“When I said our work was not done, I meant it,” Rodriguez said. “I did not enter public service to climb a political ladder. I entered because Florida families deserve servant leaders who will tell the truth, defend their freedom, and remember that government answers to the people – not the other way around.”
“Frank and I come from somewhat different political paths, but we share a commitment to integrity, transparency, and putting Floridians first,” Rodriguez continued. “This is bigger than party labels. It is about protecting our families and communities, restoring trust in the process of governance, and fighting for a Florida where faith, liberty and reward for hard work are not stifled by special interests.”
The daughter of a Cuban refugee to the United States, Rodriguez has spoken throughout her campaign about the determination and appreciation for America that shaped her upbringing. Russo said her background and connection to Florida’s Hispanic community would bring an essential perspective to the ticket and a future administration.
“Rachel and I will not agree on every detail, and we are not asking Floridians to do that either,” Russo said. “What unites us is far more important – Florida families are struggling, and they need leaders who will put them first.”
A Clear Choice for Florida Voters
Russo said the ticket offers voters an independent alternative to Republican Byron Donalds, a former Democrat and current Congressional member, and Democrat David Jolly, a former Republican member of Congress who joined the Democratic Party in 2025.
Russo described the Russo-Rodriguez approach as “caring capitalism” – supporting a strong private sector, while ensuring economic growth serves all the people and the communities that make it possible.
“Florida voters deserve a choice that is not bought by corporations, beholden to globalist governments, or driven by party ideology,” Russo said. “We are the People’s Choice, and we will put people ahead of politics and purpose ahead of party.”
The Russo-Rodriguez campaign will focus on affordability, government accountability, economic opportunity and practical reforms that deliver measurable results for Florida families.
“Leadership begins by listening,” Russo said. “Rachel and I are ready to listen to Floridians, bring people together and build a government that is Chosen Of the People, is made By the People, and works For the people it serves.”
About Frank J. Russo:
Frank J. Russo is a lifelong Floridian, entrepreneur, insurance executive, real estate developer, and humanitarian with more than 40 years of business leadership, including over 30 years in the insurance industry. Based in New Smyrna Beach, Russo is running for Governor to restore affordability, strengthen Florida’s economy, and build a government focused on practical solutions that put Floridians first. For more information, or to volunteer or donate, visit Russo26.com.
About Rachel Rodriguez
Rachel Rodriguez is a Palm Beach attorney, 20-year litigator, working mother, business builder, Cuban American and most recently ran for governor of Florida in the Republican primary. Her advocacy has focused on faith, government accountability, judicial and administrative reform, notably in the Department of Children and Families, medical freedom, parental rights and relieving Florida’s working families
