Florida voters are concluding their ballots for the primaries to determine candidates for the upcoming U.S. House elections. This follows after Florida Republicans redrew congressional districts with plans to secure up to four additional seats.
The race for Representation Byron Donalds’ vacated House seat in southwest Florida, notably Republican, sees several contenders. Noteworthy entries include former lawmakers Madison Cawthorn of North Carolina and Chris Collins of New York. Other candidates comprise former Illinois State Senator Jim Oberweis, Catalina Lauf, business owner Greg Bukowski, Ola Hawatmeh, Marine veteran Mike Pedersen, Linda Sawyer, and media mogul Jim Schwartzel. John Strand, recognized for his involvement in the January 6 Capitol riot, is also in the contest.
Drama is prevalent in Democratic races as well. The new 20th Congressional District in South Florida features a clash between Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz and former Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick. Wasserman Schultz’s choice to run in a predominantly Black district against a Black former lawmaker has incited intra-party tensions.
Simultaneously, Rep. Jared Moskowitz faces challenges in a new conservative-leaning district. Progressive union organizer Oliver Larkin, endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America, presents an internal contest before Moskowitz can address his Republican adversary.
Polling stations are set to close at 7 p.m. EDT.
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