Florida
Florida Congressional Primary: Eight Republicans Vie for Redrawn 14th District Seat
PLANT CITY — Among the congressional districts Florida Republicans most ardently hope to flip this year after they approved a highly partisan redistricting map is the 14th District, which Democrat Kathy Castor has held for two decades. Eight Republicans filed…
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Key points
- Eight Republican candidates are competing in the Aug. 18 primary for Florida’s 14th Congressional District.
- The district was redrawn under a map signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis that favored Donald Trump by over 10 points in 2024.
- The GOP field includes former state lawmakers, military veterans, and conservative policy advisers vying to challenge 20-year incumbent Democrat Kathy Castor.
Florida’s Newly Redrawn 14th Congressional District Draws Field of Eight Republican Candidates
PLANT CITY NewsWK — Eight Republican candidates are competing in Florida’s Aug. 18 primary election for the opportunity to challenge 20-year incumbent Democratic Rep. Kathy Castor in the newly redrawn 14th Congressional District. The district was restructured under a state map signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis to cover parts of South Tampa, extending into Polk and Manatee counties.
While the reconfigured district voted for Donald Trump by more than 10 points in 2024, political analysts at Sabato’s Crystal Ball recently classified the upcoming general election race as a toss-up, highlighting the strategic importance of the GOP primary battle.
Key Contenders and Legislative Track Records
According to a report first published by Florida Phoenix, the primary field features several candidates with backgrounds in state government, business, and military service:
- Mike Beltran: A conservative attorney who represented parts of the district in the Florida House from 2018 to 2024. Beltran has consistently advocated for Second Amendment protections and strict immigration enforcement. Beltran emphasized his local track record during a recent candidate event, stating, “We deserve somebody from East Hillsborough who’s represented East Hillsborough,” as reported by Florida Phoenix.
- Kevin Steele: A former health care technology executive and state Representative who recently resigned his seat in Pasco County. Supported by several state Cabinet officials, Steele highlighted his private-sector business background and his opposition to federal overreach during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recalling his decision not to require vaccines for his tech employees, Steele told attendees, “Because I was not going to mandate that my employees take the COVID shot,” according to Florida Phoenix.
- Rocky Rochford: A retired U.S. Navy captain with 33 years of military service who previously ran against Castor in 2024. Rochford noted he has prepared dozens of conservative legislative proposals focusing on senior protections and entitlement reform.
- Bea Valenti: A Navy reservist and former White House intern who worked as a senior domestic policy adviser on Capitol Hill. Valenti pointed to her policy background and her active opposition to federal military vaccine mandates.
The primary field also includes candidates Michael Marcel, John Peters, Gavriel E. Soriano, and Ergin “Batman” Tek. The winner of the Aug. 18 primary will advance to face Castor in the November general election.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
Based on reporting by Mitch Perry originally published by Florida Phoenix. Read the original story.
