Republican Jim Schwartzel is the strong favorite in the race for Florida’s 19th Congressional District in the southwest part of the state. Voting takes place Tuesday, Nov. 3. His opponent is Democrat Victor Arias.
According to Florida Politics, demographics and finances favor Republicans in the district. Schwartzel, the longtime president of Sun Broadcasting in Fort Myers, is seeking to succeed Republican Rep. Byron Donalds in the U.S. House of Representatives, whose seat is open. The outlet notes that Schwartzel won the Aug. 18 primary but still has to pass the test of the general election.
Arias is an attorney from Cape Coral. According to Florida Politics, he is counting on voters wanting a change of direction, even in a heavily Republican part of the state. The outlet points out that President Donald Trump’s approval ratings in Florida are low. Local press, meanwhile, writes that given the Republicans’ large registration advantage in the district, a loss by Schwartzel would be a surprise.
Eight candidates ran in the Republican primary. According to WINK News, Schwartzel defeated a rival endorsed by Trump. The Beach Observer reported that he finished ahead of runner-up Catalina Lauf by more than 6,000 votes. Arias won the Democratic primary, in which he defeated, among others, Howard Sapp.
The candidates described different priorities to local media. Schwartzel pointed to the Trump administration’s immigration policy and to water protection, including converting septic systems to sewer connections. Arias focused on the economy, water quality and the environment. He also criticized political support for data centers. Schwartzel said that southwest Florida “may not be the right place” for such investments.
District 19, which covers parts of Lee and Collier counties, also has a candidate with no party affiliation and a write-in candidate on the ballot. Residents who have not voted early can cast their ballots Tuesday at their polling place.
Source: Florida Politics
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