Florida’s primary elections on Tuesday will determine the Republican nominee to succeed term‑limited Gov. Ron DeSantis, as well as a slate of congressional races that will be the first contested under the governor’s newly drawn congressional map. The map, designed to add four Republican‑leaning seats, reshapes the political landscape for down‑ballot contests across the state.
Gubernatorial primary
Naples‑area Rep. Byron Donalds is the clear favorite to win the GOP gubernatorial nomination. Donalds carries the endorsement of former President Donald Trump, though Gov. DeSantis has not publicly backed any candidate. Sources say DeSantis shared his concerns about Donalds privately with Trump but stopped short of an endorsement.
Other Republicans in the race include Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, who has pledged to protect the DeSantis legacy, former state House Speaker Paul Renner, and 31‑year‑old James Fishback, who has launched a controversial campaign accusing Donalds of being a “slave to his donors” and a “DEI Republican.”
Democrats are expected to nominate former Rep. David Jolly, who left the GOP in 2018 and became a Democrat last year. Jolly is a vocal critic of Trump and could present the only serious challenge to the Republican nominee if the race tightens.
Congressional races under the new map
The new congressional districts will be in effect for the first time on Tuesday, prompting a scramble among candidates. In the 19th District, a crowded field includes former North Carolina Rep. Madison Cawthorn, former New York Rep. Chris Collins, former Illinois state senator Jim Oberweis, and Trump‑endorsed newcomer Catalina Lauf.
In the 6th District, Rep. Randy Fine, a staunch supporter of Israel, faces a challenge from social‑media personality Dan Bilzerian, who has run an openly antisemitic campaign against Fine.
Rep. Cory Mills, who was endorsed by Trump in February, is under investigation by the House Ethics Committee for possible campaign‑finance violations, a revenge‑porn allegation and an assault claim. Mills denies any wrongdoing and will be challenged by former news anchor Ryan Elijah and two other candidates.
Other notable contests
The primary also includes a race for the U.S. Senate seat held by Republican Sen. Ashley Moody. Retired Army Lt. Col. Alex Vindman, a key witness in the first impeachment inquiry, faces state Rep. Angie Nixon, a democratic socialist who advocates ending U.S. military aid to Israel.
In the 25th District on South Florida’s east coast, democratic socialists are attempting to unseat incumbent Rep. Jared Moskowitz. Their candidate, activist Oliver Larkin, is backed by pro‑Israel and artificial‑intelligence interest groups.
In the 20th District, longtime Rep. Debbie Wasserman‑Schultz battles former Rep. Sheila Cherfilus‑McCormick, who resigned earlier this year amid ethics violations and criminal charges.
Implications
Republicans have won every Florida gubernatorial race in the past three decades, and the likely winner of Tuesday’s primary—most analysts expect Donalds—will be the favorite for the November general election. A weaker showing could signal an opening for Democrats, who came close to winning the governor’s office in 2018.
The new congressional map is expected to solidify a rightward shift that has taken place over the past decade, driven by gains among Hispanic voters, an influx of conservative newcomers, and a Democratic Party in disarray.
Florida’s role as a swing state has diminished as it has moved steadily Republican, but the primaries will still serve as a bellwether for national party dynamics, especially as the state’s redistricting plan influences House composition for the next two years.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
