Juan Santana, a Hialeah nonprofit executive running with no party preference, is on the ballot for Florida lieutenant governor in the Nov. 3 general election. He is the running mate of gubernatorial candidate Jeffrey Peter "Dr. Jeff" Datto, according to the Florida Division of Elections.

Asked why he is running, Santana said in our candidate questionnaire, "I believe Florida needs leaders who are willing to listen to the people, bring communities together, and make government more accountable and responsive." He added, "I am not running simply to hold a title. I am running because I believe public office should be about service, responsibility, and results."

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

Appointed office: Santana said in our questionnaire, "I sit on the community advocacy board of Miami-Dade County current."

Experience and public service

Santana serves as vice president of Positive Hits Community Service Group South, a nonprofit organization, according to Florida Politics. He is also a property management professional, according to Ballotpedia.

He has run for office several times in Hialeah. He ran for mayor in 2013, 2017 and 2021, according to Ballotpedia. He was a candidate for Hialeah City Council in 2022 and 2024, according to the Miami Herald, and for Hialeah City Council Group IV in 2025, according to Ballotpedia. He filed for the lieutenant governor race on Aug. 27, 2026.

On the issues

Work history and qualifications: 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 … I also serve in leadership with Positive Hits Community Service Group, a nonprofit organization focused on serving underprivileged families and providing community assistance. Through this work, I have participated in food distribution, community outreach, social-service initiatives, and programs designed to connect residents with resources and opportunities."

What sets him apart: 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: 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."

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."

Seven other candidates are also seeking the lieutenant governor seat: Benjiman Rojas, Bryan Avila, Gwen Graham, Joe Van Vactor, Nicole Skelly, Rachel Rodriguez and Ruben A. Coto.