Mike Florio ends 'conscious voting protest,' decides to vote in 2026 midterms
Tuesday morning, far-left sports blogger Mike Florio announced that he planned not to vote in the 2026 midterm elections.
Florio described his decision as a "conscious protest against a system that is corrupt, ugly, and broken."
The midterm elections will determine control of Congress, with voters also deciding a series of gubernatorial, state legislative, and local races. Apparently, Florio concluded that his most meaningful contribution would be staying home.
That lasted a few hours.
NBC Sports commentator Mike Florio looks on before the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Detroit Lions at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, on July 31, 2025. (Diamond Images/Getty Images)
Despite the lack of reaction to his announcement, Florio changed his mind Tuesday afternoon and said he would vote after all.
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"I've decided it's more important to exercise the right, and to hope that those who are elected will behave differently," he explained on X.
While Election Day has been full of self-righteous posts, Florio at least put himself in the conversation for the most self-important.
He was rightfully mocked for working through his voting-day plans online.
"Thanks for letting us know, Mike. I was waiting with bated breath to hear whether you were going to vote for far left wingers again," OutKick founder Clay Travis joked.
OutKick Senior Editor of Content Development Joe Kinsey also thanked Florio for his efforts.
"This is a brave stance, Mike," Kinsey said.
"Thank God," Barstool Sports host Kirk Minihane joked.
"Wow. You're so brave, Mike. Truly stunning," added OutKick's Jon Root.
For context, Florio is the founder and editor of Pro Football Talk and a longtime NBC Sports NFL analyst. He has spent years using his platform to comment on politics and social issues in addition to football.
He is also one of the furthest-left figures in sports media. Florio remains a card-carrying member of the Colin Kaepernick fan club and has long positioned himself as an activist for progressive causes.
He recently suggested the New York Giants should sign Kaepernick to be their starter – in 2026, 10 years after he last played.
If Jemele Hill were a white male, she'd be Mike Florio.
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As for the impact of his change of heart, the state of West Virginia undoubtedly gained one extra straight-ticket Democrat vote.
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