Catalina Lauf’s Bid Ends with Jim Schwartzel’s Victory in Florida Primary
President Donald Trump’s endorsement did not secure Catalina Lauf’s win in Florida’s Republican primary for the congressional seat vacated by Representative Byron Donalds. Jim Schwartzel, a conservative media executive, claimed the GOP nomination for Florida’s 19th Congressional District. He defeated Lauf alongside other contenders, including former Representatives Madison Cawthorn and Chris Collins. The Associated Press announced Schwartzel’s victory at 8:03 p.m. ET on Tuesday.
Lauf received Trump’s support late in the campaign. He advocated for her on Truth Social, hoping she would succeed Donalds, who left the congressional role to pursue a gubernatorial nomination. Lauf had previously aimed unsuccessfully for Congress in Illinois before relocating to Florida.
“As a former Presidential Appointee at the U.S. Department of Commerce in my First Administration, Catalina has proven she has the Courage and Wisdom to deliver strong results for the incredible people of her State and Nation,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “She has truly been with us from the beginning!”
Ultimately, Schwartzel prevailed with about 29% of the votes by 9:58 p.m. ET, while Lauf followed in second place with roughly 22%. These results highlight a setback for Trump’s endorsement, especially since Florida’s 19th District leans heavily Republican, making a GOP win in November highly probable. Donalds secured over 66% of the vote in this district in 2024.
On the same evening, Donalds received Trump’s endorsement and won the Republican nomination for governor. He will compete against Democratic nominee David Jolly in the upcoming election. With these races confirmed, Florida Republicans aim to maintain their dominance, as Donalds seeks to transition from Congress to the governor’s office.
Trump’s primary season endorsements have seen mixed results. While some succeed, others falter, such as the loss of Representative Randy Feenstra to businessman and farmer Zach Lahn in Iowa’s Republican gubernatorial primary.
“A lot of great WINS tonight!!! President DJT,” Trump commented on X following the primary results.
Midterm elections often gauge public sentiment towards the sitting president, with the ruling party traditionally losing seats. Currently, Republicans hold a narrow majority in the House, controlling 218 seats compared to the Democrats’ 212.
Florida Primary Election Results
- Donalds has advanced to the general election for governor, facing Jolly.
- U.S. Senator Ashley Moody secured her Republican primary win and will contend with Democrat Angie Nixon in the November Senate race.
- Representative Cory Mills lost to Ryan Elijah, who will face Bale Dalton in the Florida U.S. House District 7 race.
- Democrat Debbie Wasserman Schultz won her primary in Florida’s 20th District and will contest against Republican Brent Andersen in November.