Florida Primary Results: Trump-Backed Candidate Falls Short

President Donald Trump’s endorsement was not sufficient for Catalina Lauf in Florida’s Republican primary for the congressional seat vacated by Representative Byron Donalds. Jim Schwartzel, a conservative media executive, secured the GOP nomination for Florida’s 19th Congressional District. He defeated Lauf, as well as former Representatives Madison Cawthorn and Chris Collins. The Associated Press declared Schwartzel the winner at 8:03 p.m. ET on Tuesday.

Trump had endorsed Lauf near the end of her campaign, promoting her on Truth Social. He aimed to support his favored candidate to succeed Donalds, who vacated the Republican stronghold seat to seek the GOP gubernatorial nomination. Lauf had previously run unsuccessfully in Illinois before relocating to Florida. Newsweek tried to contact Lauf’s campaign via email Tuesday night for a comment.

Details on the Endorsement

Trump officially backed Lauf with a Truth Social post stating, “As a former Presidential Appointee at the U.S. Department of Commerce in my First Administration, Catalina has proven she has the Courage and Wisdom to deliver strong results for the incredible people of her State and Nation—She has truly been with us from the beginning.” Despite this support, Schwartzel triumphed with about 29% of the vote, while Lauf garnered 22% by 9:58 p.m. ET.

This outcome marks a setback for Trump-backed candidates, especially since Florida’s 19th District leans heavily Republican. The Republican nominee is widely expected to win in November. Donalds had secured the district with 66% of the vote in 2024.

Other Key Results

Donalds won the GOP gubernatorial nomination with Trump’s support and will compete against Democratic nominee David Jolly in November. Following the primary, Florida Republicans aim to maintain their strong position as Donalds seeks to transition from Congress to governor.

Trump’s endorsement strategy in the 2026 primaries has seen both successes and setbacks. He faced a notable loss when Representative Randy Feenstra was defeated by businessman Zach Lahn in Iowa’s Republican gubernatorial primary.

On Tuesday, Trump commented on the results via X, saying, “A lot of great WINS tonight!!! President DJT.” Historically, midterm elections gauge the current president’s public approval, with the president’s party often losing seats. Republicans currently hold a slim House majority with 218 seats, while Democrats have 212.

Florida’s Primary Election Outcomes

Donalds progressed to the general election against Jolly after winning the Republican gubernatorial primary.

U.S. Senator Ashley Moody secured her Republican primary win and will face Democrat Angie Nixon in the November Senate race.

Representative Cory Mills lost his reelection bid to Ryan Elijah, who will challenge Bale Dalton for Florida’s U.S. House District 7.

Democrat Debbie Wasserman Schultz claimed victory in Florida’s 20th District primary, setting up a race against Republican Brent Andersen in November.