Since many of us can remember, the Republican Party has always faced some serious (Tea Party) and not-so-serious intraparty opposition. In the 2026 midterm election cycle, the new opposition facing the Republican Party of Florida (RPOF) appears to stem from the MAGA or America First faction of the Grand Ole Party (GOP).
Since being elected to lead the Republican Party of Florida (RPOF), Evan Power and his executive director, Bill Helmich, have been the target of so-called "MAGA Republicans" who assert that both Power and Helmich are nothing more than establishment stooges hell bent on taking down America First-minded individuals within the state party apparatus.
Now, there is a new offshoot of the RPOF—America First Party of Florida.
According to the Florida Division of Elections, the newly formed political party has raised a whopping $26 since its formation this past summer. In contrast, the RPOF has raised $10,081, 750.22 in the same reporting cycles.
The America First Party (AFP)
So, who is behind the AFP (not to be confused with Americans for Prosperity)?
According to official state filing documents, Jon Arguello, Trent Wayman, Charles Kelly, and Robert M. Ewing, are listed as the political party's leadership.
Wayman, who goes by the self-style nickname, "Wayminator," recently posted an social media meme depicting the AFP as a lion, while showing both the Republican and Democratic Parties as docile elephants and donkeys.
Raising $26 is not going to cut it, so, the AFP is going to have to step up their fundraising game if they want Republican and Independent voters to take them seriously.
Right now, the America First Party is coming off more like the "American Pie" movie's "Shermanator" character than Arnold Schwarzenegger in the famed 1984 "The Terminator" classic.
"Hasta la vista, baby."—Arnold Scharzenegger
