Media executive overcomes Trump endorsement in race to succeed Byron Donalds in ‘circus-like primary’
Catalina Lauf, an appointee from the first Trump administration, lost to businessman Jim Schwartzel in a heated primary to succeed Rep. Byron Donalds.
Jim Schwartzel won the GOP nomination in Florida’s 19th Congressional District, succeeding Rep. Byron Donalds, even though President Donald Trump endorsed his opponent, Catalina Lauf. The primary featured a notable field of candidates, including former Reps. Madison Cawthorn and Chris Collins, and attracted national media attention, with Axios dubbing it ‘the GOP’s carpetbagger primary.’ Schwartzel criticized Lauf’s previous runs in Illinois, while Lauf defended her move to Florida, and both candidates traded accusations during the campaign.
- Jim Schwartzel secured the GOP nomination in Florida’s 19th Congressional District.
- President Donald Trump had endorsed Schwartzel’s opponent, Catalina Lauf.
- The race was characterized by national media as ‘the GOP’s carpetbagger primary’ due to the candidates’ backgrounds.
- Other notable candidates included former Reps. Madison Cawthorn and Chris Collins.
- Schwartzel and Lauf debated issues of residency and campaign tactics.
- Schwartzel expressed anger towards out-of-state super PACs and consultants following Trump’s endorsement of Lauf.
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