Media executive overcomes Trump endorsement in race to succeed Byron Donalds in ‘circus-like primary’
Catalina Lauf, an appointee from the first Trump administration, lost to businessman Jim Schwartzel in a heated primary to succeed Rep. Byron Donalds.
TL;DR
- Jim Schwartzel secured the GOP nomination in Florida's 19th Congressional District.
- President Donald Trump had endorsed Schwartzel's opponent, Catalina Lauf.
- The race was characterized by national media as 'the GOP's carpetbagger primary' due to the candidates' backgrounds.
- Other notable candidates included former Reps. Madison Cawthorn and Chris Collins.
- Schwartzel and Lauf debated issues of residency and campaign tactics.
- Schwartzel expressed anger towards out-of-state super PACs and consultants following Trump's endorsement of Lauf.