Next week, Florida will hold its primary election with several important races on the ballot. Voters will select a candidate to take over for term-limited Governor Ron DeSantis. Additionally, there’s a chance to assess a lawmaker facing various scandals and another socialist challenger aiming to defeat a centrist Democratic incumbent.
The election on August 18 will mark the first since Florida implemented a new congressional map, which analysts suggest could benefit Republicans in four House districts during the upcoming midterm elections.
Key races to keep an eye on include:
Districts Where Republicans May Gain from Redistricting
- The 14th Congressional District, currently represented by Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL), has her running unopposed. President Trump hasn’t endorsed any Republican candidates here. Among those vying for the Republican nomination are former state Reps. Mike Beltran and Kevin Steele, along with Bea Valenti, a past adviser to Sen. Ashley Moody (R-Fla.) and a White House staffer during Trump’s first term.
- Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL) represents Florida’s 9th Congressional District and is also running unopposed. Trump has not shown support for any Republican candidates. Key contenders include businessman Jorge Martinez, former school board member Thomas Carihoo, and rancher Ben Butler.
- In Florida’s 22nd Congressional District, Rep. Lois Frankel (D-FL) is switching to run in the Democratic primary for the 23rd District. Without Trump’s endorsement for Republicans, potential candidates are university administrator Belinda Kaiser, businessman Casey Asker, and entrepreneur Michael Carbonara.
- U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) currently holds Florida’s 25th Congressional District but is also competing in the Democratic primary for the 20th District, which is vacant. Trump again remains uninvolved with the Republicans. Businessman Dan Franzese, former state Rep. George Moraitis, and former Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer are the leading candidates for the Republican nomination.
Incumbent Democratic Party Faces DSA Challenger Supported by Hasan Piker
The upcoming Democratic primary for the newly created 25th Congressional District will feature centrist Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Florida) going up against socialist candidate Oliver Larkin.
Larkin, who is 33, has the backing of far-left streamer Hasan Piker and controversial YouTuber Rachel along with members from the Broward County Democratic Socialists of America. A former organizer for Bernie Sanders’ 2016 campaign, he holds several radical views.
Meanwhile, Moskowitz has held his House seat since 2023, is known for his strong support of Israel, and has backing from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC).
With a financial head start, Moskowitz will be a tough contender against Larkin.
Longtime Democrat Contends with Indicted Challenger and a Rap Star
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), who has been in Congress since 2005 and was formerly chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee, is now running in the 20th Congressional District, which has a majority black constituency, where she faces multiple challengers.
This includes former Rep. Sheila Chafferas McCormick (D-FL), who resigned after being indicted on various charges involving misappropriation of COVID-19 relief funds. She faces a hefty trial in February.
Additionally, Wasserman Schultz is challenged by Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell, the rapper from the 1980s hip-hop group 2 Live Crew. Polls indicate fluctuating support in this race—some show Campbell ahead by 24 points, while others have Wasserman Schultz up by 18.
Republican Party Faces Turmoil Amid Scandals
Rep. Cory Mills (R-FL) is trying to maintain his seat in the 7th Congressional District amidst criminal allegations and a DOJ investigation. He’s under scrutiny for serious accusations and is contending with fellow Republicans vying for his position.
Despite these troubles, Mills has received endorsements from Trump and enjoyed a warm reception at a recent debate.
Polls Suggest Byron Donald Could Win Gubernatorial Race
In the race for the Republican gubernatorial nomination, eleven candidates are competing, including Congressman Byron Donald, Lt. Governor Jay Collins, former House Speaker Paul Renner, and businessman James Fishbach. Donald, who has been in Congress since 2021, is leading with a notable margin, reportedly around 34 percentage points ahead in one poll.
He has garnered substantial support from Trump and raised significant funds for his campaign, positioning him potentially to be Florida’s first black governor if he wins in November.
On the Democratic front, former Republican Rep. David Jolly is the front-runner for his primary. Jolly was previously a member of Congress from 2014 to 2017, left the Republican Party in 2018, and shifted to the Democratic side to run for governor.
In the past, Florida’s last Democratic gubernatorial candidate, Charlie Crist, also transitioned from Republican to Democrat.
DeSantis has not publicly supported any particular candidate in this race.
