US Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL) has made quite the name for herself among the ranks of national Republicans. However, Cammack is facing a primary challenger, Manuel Asensio, who does not appear to actually be eligible to run for office in Florida's 3rd congressional district.
According to state statute, a candidate in Florida must be a member of one of the state's main political parties for a minimum of 365 days before the beginning of the applicable qualifying period of the race in which he or she decides to run.
Qualifying started two days ago, which would have forced Asensio to be a Florida Republican by June 12, 2021. However, Asensio has only been a registered voter in Florida since August 24, 2021.
Like many Floridians, Asensio is originally from New York before
However, there seems to be almost no trace of any voting history for him there either.
In addition to his apparent ineligibility, five years ago Asensio faced felony charges of burglary, endangering the welfare of a child, and trespassing, amid a nasty divorce. Ultimately, Asensio was given a plea deal that involved no jail time.
As for Cammack, she is currently seeking out her first reelection bid since first being elected to the US House in November of 2020. In just those two years, Cammack visited the southern border and has worked on critical legislation with senior members of the US Senate, such as US Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL).
Cammack's campaign has officially been backed by former President Donald Trump (R-FL), putting her on the map in conservative and political circles at large. The congresswoman is also not shy about her status as the youngest female Republican in the US House.
