NewsWUSF (NPR Tampa Bay)August 18, 2026Hillsborough County
Candidates for Florida's 19th Congressional District primary face scrutiny over residency
Photo: WUSF (NPR Tampa Bay)
Ten Republican candidates are competing for the U.S. House seat representing Florida's 19th District, with significant debate emerging over whether candidates have deep local roots or are 'carpetbaggers' who moved to the area to seek political office. The primary winner will likely secure the seat in the November general election due to the district's strong Republican lean.
Read the full story at WUSF (NPR Tampa Bay)Why It Matters
Residents of Florida's 19th Congressional District are choosing a new representative to replace Rep. Byron Donalds, with the outcome of the primary election effectively deciding who will hold the seat in Congress.
Key Facts
- The 19th Congressional District seat is open because incumbent Rep. Byron Donalds is running for governor.
- There are 10 candidates competing in the Republican primary.
- Florida does not hold primary runoffs, meaning the winner of Tuesday's vote secures the nomination.
- The district is considered a 'safe red' seat, making the primary winner the likely general election victor.
- Candidates are divided between those with long-term local ties and those who recently moved to the district.
- Catalina Lauf received an endorsement from Donald Trump.
- Several candidates, including Catalina Lauf, Chris Collins, and Madison Cawthorn, have histories of running for office or serving in other states.
- Jim Schwartzel is campaigning on his status as a longtime Florida resident.
- John Strand is a pardoned Jan. 6 rioter running for the seat.
Who's Mentioned
PersonMadison Cawthorn“Former North Carolina Congressman and candidate.”PersonGreg Bukowski“Candidate who recently moved from Texas.”PersonDonald Trump“Former President who endorsed Catalina Lauf.”PersonByron Donalds“Current U.S. Representative for Florida's 19th District running for governor.”other10“Number of candidates in the GOP primary.”other67“Age of Naples resident Jeanine Rutherford.”other26“Years Mike Pedersen has lived in Cape Coral.”PersonJim Schwartzel“Local media mogul and candidate emphasizing long-term Florida residency.”PersonOla Hawatmeh“Candidate who previously ran for Congress in New York.”PersonCatalina Lauf“Candidate endorsed by Donald Trump; former Illinois congressional candidate.”PersonLinda Sawyer“Candidate campaigning on a health care plan.”PersonChris Collins“Former New York Congressman and candidate; pardoned by Trump.”PersonJim Oberweis“Former Illinois state lawmaker and candidate.”PersonJohn Strand“Candidate for the 19th District, former model/actor, and pardoned Jan. 6 rioter.”PersonMike Pedersen“Retired Marine and candidate with 26-year residency in Cape Coral.”