Out-of-State Candidates Stir Controversy in Southwest Florida’s GOP Primary
Southwest Florida’s Republican primary for a congressional seat has drawn significant attention due to an unusual lineup of candidates, many of whom have recently moved to the area. These candidates, often referred to as “carpetbaggers,” are seeking to replace Congressman Byron Donalds, who is running for governor.
On the eve of Florida’s primary day, NPR’s Maham Javaid reports on this intriguing electoral race where only a few of the ten Republican contenders boast local ties. The district is solidly Republican, making the primary winner the likely successor to Donalds.
Javaid explained that most candidates moved to Florida for various reasons, including its climate, family connections, or conservative values. However, the presence of these out-of-state contenders has sparked tension with local candidates.
When questioned about the “carpetbagging” label, candidates had differing reactions. John Strand, who relocated from California, dismissed the term, stating, “Carpetbagger? Whatever. I don’t use that term. I think a lot of people very clearly moved here, it seems like five minutes ago, to run for Byron’s seat knowing it was going to be open. So I moved here before anyone knew that seat was going to be open.”
Ola Hawatmeh, a former congressional candidate from New York, countered, “I’d rather be named a carpetbagger that’s making a difference than someone that was born and raised here and has millions that hasn’t done anything for the district. Shame on you.” Meanwhile, Linda Sawyer, who has been a seasonal resident for eight years, noted, “They call us snowbirds.”
In addition to Strand, Hawatmeh, and Sawyer, the primary includes Catalina Lauf and Jim Oberweis, who have previously competed in Illinois. Former congressmen from North Carolina and New York are also in the race, including Chris Collins, who received a pardon from President Trump after his conviction for insider trading. John Strand was similarly pardoned for his involvement in the January 6 Capitol riot.
Despite the controversy, many voters in the area appear unfazed by the candidates’ origins, as they themselves often hail from other states. “The reason I wouldn’t vote for a couple of them, like some of the ones who are coming from Illinois, New York, they’re just not as socially conservative as I am, as a lot of other Floridians are,” said Fort Myers resident Therese Wilkinson. “So I don’t trust that they’re going to represent my values.”
As the primary unfolds, the influence of former President Trump looms large. Most candidates sought his endorsement, which was ultimately granted to Catalina Lauf just days before the election. Despite the late announcement, early voting had already commenced, prompting Lauf to intensify efforts to publicize her endorsement.
Javaid highlighted the intriguing dynamic of candidates from diverse backgrounds converging in southwest Florida, drawn by the area’s alignment with Trump’s Republican Party.
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