Seven new members of Congress were effectively elected Tuesday night. Due to the demographics of the districts, the following nominees are expected to be elected in November:
FL – 1, Republican Matt Gaetz, attorney and State Representative from Fort Walton Beach
FL – 2, Republican Neal Dunn, physician from Panama City
FL – 4, Republican John Rutherford, Sheriff of Duval County
FL – 5, Democrat Al Lawson, businessman and former State Senator
FL – 9, Democrat Darren Soto, attorney and State Senator
FL – 10, Democrat Val Demings, Chief of Orlando Police Department
FL – 19, Republican Francis Rooney, businessman and former Ambassador to the Holy See
The races to watch include FL-18 where Army veteran Brian Mast faces off against businessman Randy Perkins, Congressman Carlos Curbelo has a rematch against the opponent he ousted in 2014, former Congressman Joe Garcia in FL-26, the surprisingly competitive race between Congressman David Jolly and former Governor Charlie Crist in FL-13, and the big showdown between Senator Marco Rubio and Congressman Patrick Murphy for Florida’s U.S. Senate seat.
Thank you to all the members who vote to support candidates who will go to Washington and do the right thing for Florida’s farmers and ranchers.