Florida primaries could shape control of Congress

Florida’s new map has the possibility to flip four seats in the state currently held by Democratic members of Congress. Currently, the U.S. House of Representatives is split 217-212 in favor of the GOP.

Here are some of the contested districts to monitor on Election Day.

District 25

U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-Fla., is running for reelection in a district he has not previously represented. Currently, Moskowitz serves in Florida’s 23rd Congressional District but is running in the 25th district following the state’s mid-decade map redrawing.

Moskowitz is facing a prominent challenge from Oliver Larkin, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, who has been highly critical of the incumbent Democrats stances.

Larkin has focused his campaign on implementing a $25 minimum wage, Medicare for All and banning congressional stock trading.

“We can drastically lower the cost of health care by expanding Medicare to cover everyone, with no premiums, deductibles, or co-pays, and the program expanded to cover vision, hearing, and dental,” Larkin told Ballotpedia.

Moskowitz has touted his record as a bipartisan lawmaker throughout his campaign. He has introduced legislation requiring the Trump administration to move forward with a plan for leadership in Venezuela, after the capture of president Nicholas Maduro.

The incumbent congressman also pushed for building more affordable housing units across the country in an effort to lower the cost of living.

“In Congress, he’ll fight to bring down the cost of living, address economic hardship and housing issues that have impacted the state,” Moskowitz’s website reads.

Several Republicans have also entered the fray to challenge the winner of the Democratic primary. Dan Franzese, Florida Rep. George Moraitis and Scott Singer are seeking the party’s nomination in the competitive district.

Franzese has called for tax cuts, lower gas and energy costs, and supporting the Trump administration’s agenda.

“With my decades of experience in finance and economics, I know that sound economic policies will raise incomes and slow the price increases on food, housing, insurance and other necessities, bringing affordability and prosperity to all Americans like never before,” Franzese told Ballotpedia.

Moraitis has focused his campaign on supporting the Trump administration's efforts to pursue fraud and enhance government contract transparency.

“I support every effort to make our government more efficient, while reducing taxes, so we can keep more of our hard-earned money,” Moraitis’ website reads.

Scott Singer, former mayor of Boca Raton, is also running for the Republican nomination. He has focused his campaign on cutting taxes and touting his policies as a former mayor.

“In Congress, I’ll oppose any tax increases, cut red tape, and grow the economy. We are still suffering from the high inflation and weak economy caused by Biden’s failed policies,” Singer told Ballotpedia. “Republicans in Congress and President Trump passed the biggest tax cuts in American history, with no taxes on tips, overtime, or Social Security. We’ve seen high growth in GDP and lowered inflation.”

The Cook Political Report ranks Florida’s 25th Congressional District as a “toss up” which means a candidate from either party has a shot at winning.

District 14

Incumbent Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Fla., is looking to defend her seat against a slew of Republican competitors. Castor has focused her campaign on affordable housing and expanding the availability of alternative energy sources like wind and solar.

She touted her vote for the ROAD to Housing Act and said it would have a signficant impact on residents in the Tampa Bay area, a large portion of the 14th district.

“The bipartisan bill incentivizes the permitting and construction of new homes and residences,” Castor said. “Homes are for people, not for hedge fund managers. I am particularly pleased that, through this legislation, we will improve Community Development Block Grants for Disaster Relief (CDBG-DR), which has delivered billions of dollars in disaster recovery funding to Tampa Bay communities and neighbors impacted by recent hurricanes.”

Florida Reps. Mike Beltran and Kevin Steele are two of the top candidates seeking the party’s nomination. Both candidates have focused their campaigns on supporting the Trump administration’s agenda, but neither have seen an endorsement from the president.

Beltran called for cutting taxes, balancing the federal budget and supporting deportation efforts.

“Mike strongly supports President Trump's Working Families Tax Cut, delivering no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, and real relief for seniors on Social Security,” Beltran’s website reads. “These cuts are putting more money into the pockets of hardworking American families that earned it, and Mike will fight to make them permanent.”

Steele has criticized Beltran for his voting history in the Florida legislature and said he will support the Trump administration’s tax cut policies.

“I’ve always believed in the power of commitment and a strong work ethic in accomplishing your goals and objectives,” Steele said. "Whether it’s family, business, or campaigns, there’s no replacement for good, honest, hard work.”

District 22

With Rep. Lois Frankel, D-Fla., announcing she would not run for reelection, competition to replace her has heated up, especially after Florida’s redistricting push.

Pia Dandiya and Kayshia Earley are seeking the Democratic nomination in Frankel’s place. Dandiya leads in most polls and has focused her campaign on ending the president’s tariff policies, banning congressional stock trading and increasing access to housing and prescription drugs.

“Too many families are working harder than ever and still finding economic security out of reach,” Dandiya said. “Nowhere is that squeeze sharper than in South Florida, where soaring housing costs and some of the highest property insurance premiums in the country stretch every budget to the breaking point.”

Casey Askar and Belinda Keiser are also seeking the Republican nomination for Florida’s 22nd District. Askar has focused his campaign on cutting taxes and overhauling the country’s tax code.

“Pass a Tax Limitation Balanced Budget Amendment to tackle the national debt and force the fiscal discipline Washington has refused to impose on itself,” Askar’s website reads.

Keiser has focused her campaign on supporting the Trump administration and said she would advocate for veterans if elected.

“Belinda will fight for you and work with President Trump to advance his America First agenda,” Keiser posted to social media.

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time in Florida on Tuesday. For more information, visit the Florida Department of state, at dos.fl.gov. For early results on Election Day, visit thecentersquare.com/florida.