Two scandal-scarred former congressmen from other states. A pair of candidates who once competed against each other in Illinois. An adviser to an Indiana lawmaker and an ex-underwear model imprisoned for his role in the January 6 attack on the US Capitol.
They are among the Republicans who have descended on Southwest Florida in recent years and are now in pursuit of an open House seat there, transforming a deeply red district into a staging ground for comeback stories.
The free-for-all is unfolding in President Donald Trump’s adopted home state at a moment when he continues to play kingmaker in Republican primaries across the country. But in this corner of his backyard, Trump has yet to weigh in, leaving a sprawling field of carpetbaggers, characters and conservatives fighting over who can claim the MAGA mantle.
“Everyone who comes here is in search of a new life, including apparently people who want to serve in Congress,” said Evan Power, the chairman of the Republican Party of Florida. “We’re watching the race with as much curiosity as everyone else.”
A handful of candidates insist they have been in contact with Trump’s team and remain optimistic he may yet endorse them. A senior adviser to the president said he hasn’t ruled it out, but the sprawling field has produced muddled polling for him as he considers the options. Early voting is already underway ahead of the Aug. 18 primary.
