Florida Voters Face Key Primary Challenges Amid Redistricting Effects

The historic Florida Capitol stands in Tallahassee, set against the backdrop of the current Capitol tower during a legislative session on March 6, 2025. Florida’s primary elections, concluding this Tuesday, aim to select Democratic and GOP candidates for the upcoming U.S. House races in November. This follows the Republican-led redrawing of Florida’s congressional districts, aiming to secure up to four additional seats.

Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida has vacated his House seat to pursue the governor’s office. His former seat, located in a staunchly Republican district in southwest Florida, including cities like Cape Coral and Naples, has attracted numerous Republican contenders for the August 18 primary.

This competitive race includes former lawmakers Madison Cawthorn from North Carolina and Chris Collins from New York. Additionally, former Illinois state senator 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, former researcher Linda Sawyer, and media mogul Jim Schwartzel are candidates. The race also features John Strand, previously pardoned for his involvement in the Capitol events on January 6, 2021.

The state’s Democratic contests introduce their own set of challenges. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz is running against former Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick in South Florida’s recently drawn 20th Congressional District. Wasserman Schultz challenging a Black former lawmaker in a district with a significant Black population has resulted in an intense party dispute.

Rep. Jared Moskowitz seeks a third term amid a newly adjusted, more conservative district. Before facing his Republican rival, he must overcome Oliver Larkin, a progressive union organizer endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America. Voting closes at 7 p.m. EDT.