Frank Russo chooses Rachel Rodriguez as running mate for Lieutenant Governor

In a move that unites business leadership, legal experience, and a shared commitment to affordability and accountability, independent gubernatorial candidate Frank Russo has named Republican primary winner Rachel Rodriguez as his choice for Lieutenant Governor. The Russo-Rodriguez ticket, formed on September 1, 2026, is designed to bring together two candidates from different political journeys but with a unified commitment to Floridians.

Rodriguez, a 20-year litigator and attorney from Palm Beach, has built a career centered around 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 financial burden on working families, and safeguarding Florida’s land from destructive development.

Russo, a lifelong Floridian and entrepreneur, said, "Rachel Rodriguez does not back down when families, freedom, or the rule of law are at stake. 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."

Rodriguez’s addition to Russo's independent campaign brings a strong, principled voice to the ticket. Russo, who has over 40 years of business leadership and more than 30 years in the insurance industry, commented, "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 echoed the sentiment, stating, "When I said our work was not done, I meant it. 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."

The pair share a commitment to integrity, transparency, and putting Floridians first, despite coming from different political paths. Rodriguez, a Cuban American and the daughter of a Cuban refugee, highlighted her background and connection to Florida's Hispanic community as a key asset. She said, "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 Russo-Rodriguez campaign aims to focus on affordability, government accountability, economic opportunity, and practical reforms that deliver measurable results for Florida families. Russo described the ticket as an "independent alternative" to Republican Byron Donalds, a former Democrat and current Congressional member, and Democrat David Jolly, a former Republican who joined the Democratic Party in 2025. He said, "Florida voters deserve a choice that is not bought by corporations, beholden to globalist governments, or driven by party ideology. We are the People's Choice, and we will put people ahead of politics and purpose ahead of party."

Both candidates are ready to listen to Floridians, bring people together, and build a government that works for the people it serves. Russo added, "Leadership begins by listening. Rachel and I are ready to listen to Floridians and build a government that is Chosen of the People, made by the People, and works for the people it serves."

The Russo-Rodriguez campaign aims to offer an independent alternative to the traditional political parties, focusing on the needs of Florida families and communities.