John Strand spoke at an event at the U.S. Capitol on June 13, 2023. As a convicted and pardoned participant in the Jan. 6 events, Strand is now seeking the Republican nomination in Florida’s 19th Congressional District.
Rep. Byron Donalds, a Republican, is campaigning for governor. His vacant seat has attracted various candidates, including former legislators and those pardoned by President Trump. Many candidates have limited connections to the district, covering parts of Cape Coral, Naples, and Fort Myers.
Florida 19th Congressional District Race
Strand, once a model and actor, hails from Beverly Hills, California. Alongside him, numerous candidates in this GOP primary have minimal roots in Florida. Almost all candidates are Trump supporters, causing tension among those with deeper community ties and newcomers. Candidate Catalina Lauf, who earned Trump’s endorsement last week, recently relocated to Florida, having run for Congress in Illinois as recently as 2022.
While some accuse each other of being “carpetbaggers”—a term for those relocating for political gain—voters are prioritizing alignment with conservative values over origins. Jeanine Rutherford, a Naples resident, supports Strand for his commitment to preserving conservative values, despite his outsider status.
Accusations of Carpetbagging
Strand dismissed accusations of being a “carpetbagger” as hypocritical, highlighting that many Florida residents are from elsewhere. He’s pointed out that he moved to the district before the seat became vacant. Unlike some rivals, Jim Schwartzel, a longtime Floridian and media mogul, has criticized candidates lacking deep state ties. His ad targets those like former Congressman Chris Collins and Jim Oberweis, who also faced battles over residency claims.
Oberweis stated his long ownership of a home in Bonita Springs reinforces his legitimacy. Lauf explained her choice to settle in Florida was based on family and values rather than birthplace.
Candidate Lineup
Florida’s primary system determines candidates without runoffs, meaning the nomination could be secured with a minority vote, likely ensuring victory in this Republican stronghold. Among the notable contenders is Madison Cawthorn, ousted from his North Carolina seat in 2022. Others include Linda Sawyer, campaigning on health care, and Ola Hawatmeh from New York.
Voter sentiments seem lenient towards candidates from out of state, as highlighted by Therese Wilkinson from Fort Myers, who prioritizes values over local roots. Similarly, Jim Dean prefers Mike Pedersen, a longtime Cape Coral resident, for his adherence to traditional American values.
Mercedes Price-Harry, a local Republican Party official, noted the influx of out-of-state candidates misjudging the dynamics of Southwest Florida. She advised caution against assuming easy victories. Price-Harry stressed that the local community is protective and savvy, challenging the assumptions of those unfamiliar with its political landscape.