Trump-endorsed Republicans lose Florida primaries as Debbie Wasserman Schultz secures Democratic nomination
In Florida primary elections, Democratic Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz won her party’s nomination, while two Republican candidates who had received President Donald Trump’s endorsement were defeated.
Democratic Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz secured the Democratic nomination for a congressional seat in Florida’s newly drawn 20th District, according to NBC News projections. The district, previously represented by Black Democrats, became open after Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick resigned amid an indictment. Schultz, a former DNC chair, faced a field of Black Democratic candidates but prevailed, avoiding the wave of incumbent defeats seen earlier this year.
In the same cycle, Republican Rep. Cory Mills was defeated in the 7th District by former television journalist Ryan Elijah. Mills, who had been under investigation by the House Ethics Committee and the Justice Department, had received an endorsement from President Donald Trump earlier in the campaign.
"I’m grateful for the support and will continue to fight for our community," Trump said of his endorsement of Mills.
Another Trump-backed Republican, Catalina Lauf, lost the primary for the 19th District to businessman Jim Schwartzel, a local conservative talk-radio owner. Lauf had been endorsed by Trump late in the race.
"We appreciate President Trump’s endorsement," Lauf said after the endorsement.
Other notable primary outcomes included Republican Sydney Gruters winning the nomination in the 16th District, a heavily Republican seat, and Austin Rogers capturing the Republican nod in the 2nd District. On the Democratic side, Rep. Jared Moskowitz won the primary in the competitive 25th District, defeating left-leaning challenger Oliver Larkin. Former Miami Gardens mayor Oliver Gilbert narrowly beat state Sen. Shevrin Jones in the 24th District.
The primaries set the stage for several contested general-election races in districts that were redrawn to favor Republicans, including the 25th, 9th, 14th, and 22nd Districts, where Democrats will face Republican challengers.
Overall, the results underscore the impact of redistricting and the limited influence of high-profile endorsements in Florida’s primary contests.