The Republican Party of Florida (RPOF) announced it will host a debate for Florida's 19th Congressional District and Florida's 25th Congressional District during the party's Sunshine State Showdown at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood on June 27th.
"The Sunshine State Showdown will serve as a major platform for candidates to share their vision with voters and discuss the issues shaping Florida and the nation, including economic opportunity, freedom, public safety, and conservative leadership," the RPOF wrote.
District 19 candidates confirmed for the debate include business owner Ola Hawatmeh and former Congressional Rep. Madison Cawthorn. Chris Collins, Catalina Lauf, Jim Oberweis, and Jim Schwartzel have also been invited to participate.
CD 19, which covers parts of Lee and Collier counties in Southwest Florida, is open after Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) announced his run for Florida governor in February 2025. It is also heavily Republican, with a Cook Partisan Voting Index (PVI) of +14, and arguably a key launching pad for the conservative movement.
District 25 candidates confirmed for the debate include former Florida House Rep. George Moraitis and former Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer. Dan Franzese and Joe Kaufman have also been invited to participate.
District 25 stretches from Delray Beach in Palm Beach County to Miami Beach in Miami-Dade County. Incumbent Jared Moskowitz is running on the Democratic ticket in CD 25, which was formerly re-drawn from Moskowitz's District 23 by the Florida Legislature in April.
According to the RPOF, the debates will be moderated by Florida and Washington journalists, who will give candidates questions on various topics effecting the state and the country.
"Bringing together leaders from every corner of the Sunshine State, the Sunshine State Showdown is set to be one of the premier political events of the summer, showcasing Florida’s continued leadership in advancing conservative principles, strengthening communities, and promoting policies that deliver results for families and businesses," the RPOF added.
