Byron Donalds

Rep. Byron Donalds' 2026 gubernatorial run has opened up Florida’s 19th Congressional District seat.

Fifteen candidates, mostly Republicans, are running in the heavily conservative Southwest Florida district.

The crowded field includes business executives, veterans, and former members of Congress from other states.

The Republican primary is widely expected to determine the district's next representative in Washington.

A TOPGUN pilot, a dairy mogul and a former out-of-state congressman are just some of the candidates you'll find among 15 hopefuls running to represent Southwest Florida this year.

Byron Donalds' decision to run for governor in 2026 has opened one of the most closely watched congressional seats in Southwest Florida. Florida’s 19th Congressional District, which includes most of Lee County and coastal Collier County, has long leaned heavily Republican. Donalds won more than 66% of the vote in 2024, and nearly 64% of district voters backed Donald Trump at the top of the ticket.

With no incumbent on the ballot, the Republican primary is widely expected to decide who represents the district in Washington. So far, the race is crowded with wealthy business executives, political transplants, veterans and former members of Congress from other states. Fundraising totals and early maneuvering suggest a race that is still unsettled, with no clear frontrunner months before ballots are cast.

Here’s a look at the candidates, organized from highest to lowest campaign fundraising totals.

James "Jim" Oberweis (Republican)

Former Illinois state Sen. Jim Oberweis, 80, currently dominates the fundraising field. Campaign finance reports through the end of March show Oberweis with more than $4.3 million in total receipts. Most of that total comes from a $4 million personal loan he made to his campaign.

Oberweis, chairman of Oberweis Dairy, relocated to Bonita Springs after several unsuccessful bids for Congress and the U.S. Senate in Illinois.

He has never served in Congress. His closest attempt came in 2020 in Illinois’ 14th Congressional District. Oberweis was ahead on election night and attended New Member Orientation in Washington, where he met Byron Donalds, but ultimately lost after roughly 20,000 additional mail-in ballots were counted.

Oberweis served in the Illinois State Senate from 2013 to 2021, representing the 25th District and later serving as Republican Minority Whip.

His platform focuses on conservative priorities, including border security, tax reform, term limits, school choice and Second Amendment protections. He has called for ending birthright citizenship for those in the country illegally, supports the SAVE Act requiring proof of U.S. citizenship to vote in federal elections and backs a "No Budget, No Pay” proposal that would withhold congressional pay if lawmakers fail to pass a budget, along with a flat tax.

His campaign argues that early fundraising strength matters in a large, expensive district.

"In politics, it’s often said that 'Money is the first primary.' That means that early political donations and a campaign’s financial viability are a first indication of voter support," said Clinton Soffer, a senior strategist for the Oberweis campaign.

Visit votejimo.com to learn more about his campaign.

Jim Schwartzel (Republican)

Fort Myers businessman Jim Schwartzel, president of Sun Broadcasting, is second in fundraising with more than $1.7 million in total receipts, including a $1 million personal loan.

Schwartzel, 50, is a Naples native and Bishop Verot High School graduate. He has been a registered Florida voter since 1994.

"Southwest Florida needs someone who understands our values, will stand up for our community, and refuses to bow to the D.C. establishment," his campaign site reads. "Just like President Donald Trump, I am a businessman – not a politician – and I’m ready to be your conservative fighter in Congress."

In early March, Sun Broadcasting closed on a $40 million purchase of WFTX-TV (Fox 4) from the E.W. Scripps Company. Schwartzel’s holdings also include the CW affiliate WXCW-TV, several Southwest Florida radio stations such as 92.5 Fox News and 93.7 Trump Country and the magazines Gulfshore Life and Gulfshore Business.

His campaign has drawn attention following the dismissal of longtime WINK News chief meteorologist Matt Devitt. Fort Myers Broadcasting Company operates WINK News and shares facilities with Sun Broadcasting.

Primary rival Catalina Lauf criticized Schwartzel in a social media post, accusing him of being responsible for the firing. Schwartzel responded on X: "For political reasons, some are circulating false claims that I own or control WINK News. I want to be clear: I do not own WINK TV or WINK News."

Schwartzel’s campaign focuses on border security, tax cuts and reducing federal regulations. He supports finishing the border wall, deporting people in the country illegally and cracking down on drug trafficking. Schwartzel also backs congressional term limits, school choice and Second Amendment protections, and says he would work to secure federal funding for infrastructure improvements as Southwest Florida continues to grow.

Visit jimforcongress.com to learn more about his campaign.

Catalina Lauf (Republican)

Catalina Lauf, 33, an author and health activist who lives in Bonita Springs with her family, has raised $974,858. She previously worked in the Trump Administration and ran for Congress in Illinois. She has framed her candidacy as a new-generation of conservative leadership.

Lauf's campaign focuses heavily on ideological purity and defending the "America First" agenda.

"Florida’s 19th District deserves a strong, principled leader who will put the people first and defend the America First agenda every single day. Catalina Lauf is ready to deliver that leadership," her campaign website reads.

Visit catalinaforcongress.com to learn more about her campaign.

Chris Collins (Republican)

Former New York Congressman Chris Collins, 76, has reported $910,000 in receipts, all of which come from candidate loans. Collins owns a home on Marco Island and has argued that his previous service in Congress and his relationship with Trump could benefit Southwest Florida.

He was the first sitting member of Congress to endorse Donald Trump's 2016 presidential run. Collins later resigned from Congress in 2019 after being charged in a federal insider trading case. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to prison before receiving a presidential pardon from Trump in 2020.

His campaign focuses on border and community security, combating drugs and crime, promoting economic growth, supporting U.S. leadership internationally, protecting conservative principles, opposing tax increases and policies he views as 'woke’ and maintaining fairness in women’s sports.

"I’m ready to get back in the ring for our President to help him secure our borders, deport every illegal, defeat the cartels, and keep Florida families safe — for good," one of Collins’s campaign mailers says.

"I helped President Trump start the fight in 2016. I'm running for Congress to help him finish it," Collins said on his campaign website.

Visit CollinsFL19.com to learn more about his campaign.

Madison Cawthorn (Republican)

Former North Carolina Congressman Madison Cawthorn, 30, has raised $519,541.69 since entering the race. Cawthorn moved to Cape Coral in 2022 after losing his Republican primary bid for reelection in North Carolina and has framed Florida as a place to restart his political career.

During and after Cawthorn’s single term in Congress, he faced multiple controversies, including airport gun incidents and sexual misconduct allegations.

In Florida, he was convicted of rear-ending a Florida Highway Patrol vehicle in Collier County in 2024. On Sept. 10, 2025, Cawthorn was arrested in Lee County on a bench warrant for failing to appear in court related to a citation for driving without a valid license.

Cawthorn presents himself as a staunch Trump ally and "America First" conservative, focusing on strengthening border security, limiting foreign aid, protecting Second Amendment rights and opposing what he calls "woke indoctrination" in schools, the military and culture.

"In Congress, President Trump will have no stronger advocate to uphold America first values, than Madison Cawthorn," his campaign website reads. "America first values are Southwest Florida values, and that will continue to be Madison Cawthorn‘s highest priority."

Visit madisoncawthorn.com to learn more about his campaign.

Ola Hawatmeh (Republican)

Ola Hawatmeh, 49, is running as a Republican. According to the latest campaign finance data, Hawatmeh's campaign has raised a total of $379,189.65, including $124,000 in candidate loans. She is a business owner, fashion designer and philanthropist, born in the U.S. to Christian immigrant parents from Jordan.

Hawatmeh spent the past year as a Senior Policy Advisor in Washington, D.C., where she worked on legislation and helped constituents navigate federal agencies. She says her experience in D.C. equips her to “bring federal dollars home” to Southwest Florida for clean water initiatives, stormwater systems and resilient infrastructure.

Her platform issues include border security, term limits, Second Amendment protections and policies aimed at lowering the cost of living and reforming insurance for local families.

In a statement to The News-Press/Naples Daily News March 12, Hawatmeh said she plans to file legislation to rename the I-75 southern corridor the "President Donald J. Trump Superhighway" if she is elected to the seat. "President Donald Trump is the most consequential and America First president in U.S. history. Honoring his accomplishments, accomplishments that have saved American lives, protected our God-given liberties and freedoms, and helped us continue to live our American dream, is an easy call. I am looking forward to hitting the road with him to Make America Great Again," Hawatmeh said.

Visit olaforcongress.com to learn more about her campaign.

John Strand (Republican)

Naples resident John Strand, 43, has raised 82,893, including $19,479.85 in personal loans. He has built his campaign around his involvement in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Federal court records show he was sentenced to more than two years in prison before receiving a pardon.

"A Democrat regime persecuted me with false charges and political imprisonment. But I was vindicated by the Supreme Court, and then fully, legally exonerated," Strand says on his campaign website.

His campaign messaging highlights faith, family, freedom and fortitude, along with opposition to COVID-19 lockdowns and what he calls "medical tyranny." He has received public support from former national security adviser Michael Flynn, Dr. Simone Gold and Naples grocer Alfie Oakes.

Visit johnstrand.com to learn more about his campaign.

Mike Pedersen (Republican)

Cape Coral resident Mike Pedersen, 69, has raised $46,008 for his campaign. Pedersen is a retired Marine Corps flight officer and U.S. Naval Academy graduate. He served 20 years on active duty and is a TOPGUN graduate.

Pedersen’s "Florida First, America Always" platform includes reducing the national debt, tightening border security, supporting government efficiency initiatives and protecting Second Amendment rights.

Pedersen has also lived in Cape Coral for over 26 years, according to public records.

"What drives me is simple: I love this country, I love Florida, and I want my grandchildren to grow up in a nation that still honors truth, discipline, freedom, and opportunity," his campaign website reads. "That’s why I’m running to represent Florida’s 19th Congressional District."

Visit mikepedersenforcongress.com to learn more about his campaign.

Howard Sapp (Democrat)

Howard Sapp, a Fort Myers native, is running as a Democratic candidate and has raised $32,473.

A retired air traffic controller with more than 30 years of experience, Sapp is also an ordained minister and serves as CEO of the Source of Light and Hope Development Center, a nonprofit focused on at-risk youth.

Sapp, 62, is also the nephew of the late Fort Myers City Councilwoman Veronica Shoemaker, who served on the council for 24 years and was the first Black person to serve as NAACP president in the area. She led the legal fight that created the city's current ward system and was instrumental in desegregating Lee County schools.

His campaign focuses on honesty, integrity, accountability and unity. Key policy priorities include affordable housing, clean water, expanded access to health care and stronger worker protections.

Visit hsapp4congress.com to learn more about his campaign.

Victor Arias (Democrat)

Victor Arias, a Democrat and Cape Coral lawyer, has raised $22,813.19 for his campaign. Arias, 65, has served on several local boards, including the Children’s Network of SWFL and the Suncoast Credit Union.

Arias was raised in the Douglas Housing Projects in Manhattan, earned degrees from Hamilton College and SUNY Buffalo Law School, and has lived in Florida since 1991. He has worked for more than 36 years as a managing attorney representing working families in personal injury, workers’ compensation and school law cases. Arias, who has been married for 32 years and is active in his church, says he is not a career politician but a community advocate focused on veterans, seniors and water quality.

In 2024, Arias ran as the Democratic candidate for Lee County school superintendent, the first election for the position since 1974. He lost to Republican Denise Carlin, who won 67.9% of the vote to Arias' 32%.

His congressional platform focuses on lowering grocery prices, expanding affordable housing, reforming Medicare and reducing prescription drug costs. He also advocates for streamlining benefits access for veterans.

"From the Douglas Housing Projects to over 36 years advocating for justice in Florida's courtrooms — Victor Arias brings the resilience of a self-made man and the heart of a community leader to Southwest Florida," his campaign site reads. "I've spent my entire career advocating for those who couldn't advocate for themselves. Now I'm ready to do the same for all of Southwest Florida."

Visit votearias.us to learn more about his campaign.

Greg "Tex" Bukowski, Seth Haskin, Robert Neeld Jr., Linda Sawyer and Alexandra Zakhvatayev have each reported $0 in receipts. The remaining candidates will be listed alphabetically by last name.

Greg "Tex" Bukowski (Republican)

Greg "Tex" Bukowski, a 48-year-old Osprey resident, is running as a Republican candidate. Bukowski founded Moldman and the Water Boys, a mold and water damage restoration franchise spanning more than 10 locations.

He's also worked as a player personnel for the Philadelphia Eagles and served as the Assistant Director of Football Operations for the University of Southern California Trojans during two national championship seasons. Bukowski is currently a member of the Sarasota County Charter Review Board.

His campaign platform, described as "What MAGA was supposed to be," focuses on bold leadership and fiscal accountability. His policy priorities include ending foreign wars, stopping insider trading in Washington and improving public education. According to his campaign website, he advocates for a government that is unafraid to stand up against big special interests.

Visit votefortex.com to learn more about his campaign.

Seth Haskin (NPA)

Seth Haskin, a 25-year-old no-party-affiliated candidate from Fort Myers, says he's running on a platform of government accountability and constitutional principles.

Haskin holds a Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience and describes himself as a young voice motivated by a lower middle-class upbringing where every opportunity had to be earned. He said he's running to provide a perspective that understands the modern financial pressures that everyday Americans face.

"I decided to run for Congress because I believe our country needs a government that is more accountable, more constitutional, and more responsive to the people it serves," he said in a statement.

Visit sethhaskinforfl.com to learn more about his campaign.

Robert Neeld Jr. (Democrat)

Robert Neeld Jr., a longtime Cape Coral resident, is running as a Democratic candidate. Neeld, 70, is an accountant and owner of Robert Neeld Accounting Inc.

Neeld has thrown his hat in for several local races before. He unsuccessfully ran for Lee County Sheriff in 1996, 2000 and 2020. This also isn't the first time Neeld has run for District 19. He bid for the seat in 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2016. In 2016, Neeld lost the District 19 race to Francis Rooney, who secured 65.9% of the vote in Lee and Collier counties.

Neeld’s earlier campaigns were noted for his openness regarding a difficult divorce and custody battle in the 1980s, which, at the time, he described as a formative life experience.

His past campaigns focused on economic stability, protecting the district’s water quality and public safety. Neeld has advocated for raising taxes on people who make more than $250,000 a year, he told The News-Press in 2016. He has also prioritized protecting Medicare and Social Security for the area's large senior population.

Linda Sawyer (Republican)

Linda Sawyer, a 62-year-old Republican candidate from Naples, is a former researcher at the National Institutes of Health and a boat captain who has conducted research on local issues like red tide and algae blooms.

She has a long history of political involvement, serving as a former National Elector and previously running for Congress in Michigan against Rep. Rashida Tlaib.

Her "America First" platform focuses on bringing federal money back to Southwest Florida through her expertise in writing multimillion-dollar grants. Her policy priorities include implementing a Direct Patient Care healthcare model to lower prescription drug costs and ensuring election integrity through sophisticated paper ballots and voter ID requirements.

Visit lindasawyer.com to learn more about her campaign.

Alexandra Zakhvatayev (Write-in)

Alexandra Zakhvatayev is running for the seat as a write-in candidate. Her platform primarily focuses on raising awareness about the conflict in Ukraine. According to her LinkedIn, Zakhvatayev serves as the founder and publisher of the Kyiv Free Press, documenting her international experiences during the war in Ukraine.

Mickenzie Hannon is a watchdog reporter for The News-Press and Naples Daily News, covering Collier and Lee counties. Contact her at 239-435-3423 [email protected].

Follow The News-Press & Naples Daily News throughout the Election 2026 campaign season, including Q&As with candidates running in key Southwest Florida races coming soon.