Jim Schwartzel defeats Trump-endorsed Catalina Lauf in Florida GOP primary
Businessman Jim Schwartzel won the Republican primary for Florida’s 19th Congressional District, beating Trump-backed Catalina Lauf.
The Republican primary for Florida’s 19th Congressional District concluded with businessman Jim Schwartzel emerging victorious, earning 29.2% of the ballots. Trump-endorsed Catalina Lauf trailed with 21.9%, while other contenders such as former Representatives Madison Cawthorn and Chris Collins also competed. Schwartzel, who grew up in the state and operates a conservative radio station in South Florida, presented himself as an “America First” candidate supporting border security, term limits, and opposition to “woke ideology.”
Lauf, a former adviser in the Trump administration’s Commerce Department and previous congressional hopeful in Illinois and Pennsylvania, emphasized deregulation and economic growth in her campaign. The seat is open because Rep. Byron Donalds is pursuing the governorship, and the district is considered solidly Republican, setting up Schwartzel for the November general election against Democrat Victoria Arias.
Why it matters
The result decides the next Republican representative for a reliably red Florida district and reflects Trump’s influence in GOP primaries.
How this story developed
- Aug 14 Poll Shows Democrat Gray Narrowly Closing Gap with Rep. Luna in Florida Race
- Aug 14 Governor Ron DeSantis said he will not endorse Rep. Cory Mills, who is under a House Ethics Committee probe and faces personal allegations, as the Florida congressional primary approaches.
- Aug 17 Donald Trump mailed his ballot for the Florida Republican primary, which includes contests for governor and U.S. Senate.
- Aug 18 New poll shows Casey Askar holding a slim lead among multiple candidates in the 22nd District Republican primary.
- Aug 18 Florida's primary elections feature a historic Black Republican gubernatorial candidate and a crowded Democratic field, while both parties gauge Donald Trump's influence in the state.
- Aug 18 The poll also recorded Terri Hasdorff, Michael Thompson and Richard Evans receiving low single‑digit support.
- Aug 18 The primary has taken place, confirming Donalds’s lead and adding a high‑profile celebrity endorsement.
- Aug 18 Byron Donalds announced his run for governor, triggering a crowded primary for his congressional seat.
- Aug 18 A new poll shows Ryan Elijah leading Cory Mills in the GOP primary.
- Aug 18 The administration has asked the Supreme Court to intervene in the legal challenges to the mail‑in ballot order.
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