Florida’s 2026 Congressional Race Heats Up

As more candidates declare their intentions for the upcoming midterm election in 2026, the field for the Florida Capitol seat currently held by Byron Donald is becoming increasingly crowded.

Madison Cawthorn, who represented North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District from 2021 to 2023, is officially jumping into the race to claim Donald’s seat in what he hopes will be a political comeback.

“We’re going to tackle skyrocketing insurance costs, work to curb crime, and push to remove illegal immigrants,” Cawthorn stated, laying out his campaign priorities.

Reflecting on the recent passing of Charlie Kirk, which seemed to influence his decision, he mentioned on Instagram, “I’ve been mulling over this choice for some time, but after Charlie was killed, it became clear to me.” He emphasized a bold vision to take a stand and fight for the country in these challenging times.

Cawthorn reiterated his commitment to defending conservative values and his support for President Trump, stating, “Every time I run for Congress, it’s about standing up against the radical left.” He also reiterated his key agendas: controlling insurance costs and enhancing public safety.

In an interview, Cawthorn expressed interest in adopting a bill championed by Donald that aims to assist citizens grappling with flood insurance expenses.

The race in Florida is shaping up to be competitive, especially since Donald has announced plans to run for governor in 2026, opting out of seeking reelection for Congress. The Republican field now includes candidates like Chris Collins, a former representative from New York, Jim Oberweis, a businessman from Illinois, retired Marine Mike Pedersen, and Jim Schwartzel, the president of Sun Broadcasting. Currently, the only Democratic contender is Howard Sapp.