Florida primaries show limits of Trump endorsement and highlight redistricting impact
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Republican and Democratic primaries in Florida revealed that Trump backing cannot rescue scandal-plagued candidates, while newly drawn districts and intra-party battles shaped the outcomes.
Incumbent Republican Rep. Cory Mills, who retained President Donald Trump's endorsement despite facing ethics investigations and a restraining order, was defeated in Florida's primary by former TV anchor Ryan Elijah. Mills' loss suggests that party support has limits when a candidate carries significant legal and personal controversies.
In the gubernatorial race, Republican Rep. Byron Donalds secured the nomination with strong backing from Trump and other party figures. In his victory speech, Donalds urged Florida Republicans to set aside their differences and unite ahead of the November election.
Democratic Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz won the primary in the state's 20th Congressional District, a majority-minority seat that was recently redrawn by the Republican-controlled legislature. She pledged to prioritize representation for the district's Black constituents, noting the importance of ensuring that “representation counts again.”
In another Democratic contest, two-term Rep. Jared Moskowitz retained his seat in the 25th District, defeating a challenge from Democratic Socialists of America candidate Oliver Larkin. The race highlighted a growing debate within the party over U.S. aid to Israel, with Moskowitz maintaining a pro-Israel stance while Larkin advocated cutting off assistance. Moskowitz now faces a competitive general election in a district identified by Republicans as a potential pickup.