Florida’s Congressional Primaries Signal Key Battles Ahead

The old Florida Capitol stands in contrast to the modern tower of the current Capitol, both seen during a legislative session in Tallahassee, Fla., on March 6, 2025. Florida’s voters are set to finalize choices for Democratic and Republican candidates in the U.S. House races on Tuesday. This follows a strategic district redrawing by Florida Republicans to potentially gain up to four additional seats.

Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) has sparked interest by pursuing the governor’s role, vacating his House seat. This solidly Republican district in southwest Florida, encompassing Cape Coral and Naples, sees several Republican contenders in the August 18 primary. Among them are former Reps. Madison Cawthorn (N.C.) and Chris Collins (N.Y.). Other hopefuls include previous Illinois state Sen. Jim Oberweis, former congressional candidate Catalina Lauf, business owner Greg Bukowski, former New York congressional candidate Ola Hawatmeh, Marine veteran and wrestling coach Mike Pedersen, ex-researcher Linda Sawyer, and media mogul Jim Schwartzel. John Strand, known for receiving a pardon for his involvement in the Capitol incident on January 6, 2021, is also running.

Meanwhile, significant developments are occurring in the Democratic races. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) is facing off against former Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.) in South Florida’s newly formed 20th Congressional District. Wasserman Schultz’s decision to challenge a Black former representative in a district with a substantial Black community has ignited intraparty tensions.

Additionally, Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) aims for a third term in a district now more conservative due to redistricting. Before he can concentrate on his Republican opponent, he must overcome a challenge from Oliver Larkin, a progressive union organizer endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America. Voting concludes at 7 p.m. EDT.