The old Florida Capitol stands alongside the current Capitol’s tower, reflecting the legislative session unfolding in Tallahassee, Florida, on March 6, 2025. As the Florida voting period concludes, the focus is on selecting candidates for the upcoming U.S. House races scheduled for November. This follows actions by Florida Republicans to redraw congressional districts, with aspirations of gaining up to four additional seats.
Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) has opted to run for the Florida governor’s office, leaving his House seat available for new contenders. In his reliably Republican district, located in southwest Florida and encompassing Cape Coral and Naples, a variety of Republican candidates are preparing for the primary on August 18. Notable names include former legislators Madison Cawthorn from North Carolina and Chris Collins from New York, along with former Illinois state Sen. Jim Oberweis, former congressional candidate Catalina Lauf from Illinois, and business owner Greg Bukowski.
Other participants in the race are former New York congressional candidate Ola Hawatmeh, Marine veteran and wrestling coach Mike Pedersen, former researcher Linda Sawyer, and media mogul Jim Schwartzel. Additionally, John Strand, who received a pardon for his involvement in the Capitol attack on January 6, 2021, is campaigning for the seat.
The Democratic races in Florida also promise significant intrigue. In South Florida’s new 20th Congressional District, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) is competing against former Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.). Wasserman Schultz’s decision to challenge a Black former lawmaker in a district characterized by a large Black population has incited intraparty tension.
Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.), aiming for his third term, faces alterations due to redistricting that has made his district more conservative. Prior to confronting his Republican rival, Moskowitz must overcome a challenge from Oliver Larkin, a progressive union organizer endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America. Election polls will close at 7 p.m. EDT.