Florida Republican Primary: Trump Endorsement Fails to Secure Victory for Catalina Lauf

President Donald Trump’s endorsement did not secure a victory for Catalina Lauf in Florida’s Republican primary for the 19th Congressional District. The seat is being vacated by Representative Byron Donalds. Lauf lost to Jim Schwartzel, a conservative media executive, who won the nomination.

Schwartzel emerged victorious in a crowded field that included former Representatives Madison Cawthorn and Chris Collins. The Associated Press announced Schwartzel’s win at 8:03 p.m. ET. Lauf received Trump’s endorsement late in her campaign, which he promoted on Truth Social. Trump sought to support Lauf as his preferred candidate to replace Donalds, who is pursuing the GOP nomination for governor.

Lauf had previously run unsuccessfully for Congress in Illinois before moving to Florida. Newsweek attempted to contact Lauf’s campaign via email for comment on Tuesday night.

What To Know: Trump publicly supported Lauf, stating on Truth Social, “As a former Presidential Appointee at the U.S. Department of Commerce in my First Administration, Catalina has proven she has the Courage and Wisdom to deliver strong results for the incredible people of her State and Nation—She has truly been with us from the beginning!”

Despite this endorsement, Schwartzel secured approximately 29 percent of the vote. Lauf came in second with about 22 percent. This result represents a setback for Trump’s endorsement in a district that is heavily Republican. The GOP nominee is favored to win the seat in November. In the previous election, Donalds won the district with around 66 percent of the vote in 2024.

Donalds won the Republican nomination for governor, with Trump backing him. He will compete against Democratic nominee David Jolly in November. This sets the stage for Florida Republicans to maintain their dominant position while Donalds seeks to move from Congress to the governor’s mansion.

Trump has achieved several endorsement wins in the 2026 primary season but has also experienced significant setbacks. An example includes Representative Randy Feenstra losing to Zach Lahn in Iowa’s Republican gubernatorial primary.

On Tuesday night, Trump reacted to the primary results on X, commenting, “A lot of great WINS tonight!!! President DJT.” Midterm elections often serve as a measure of public approval for the sitting president. The president’s party traditionally loses seats. Currently, Republicans hold a slim House majority with 218 seats, while Democrats have 212.

Florida Primary Election Results

• Byron Donalds won the Republican primary for governor and will face David Jolly in the general election.
• U.S. Senator Ashley Moody won her Republican primary and will oppose Democrat Angie Nixon in the Senate race.
• Representative Cory Mills lost his reelection bid to Ryan Elijah, who will compete with Bale Dalton for Florida U.S. House District 7.
• Democrat Debbie Wasserman Schultz secured her primary win in Florida’s 20th District and will face Republican Brent Andersen in November.