Florida has 27 representatives in the U.S. House of Representatives -- currently 16 Republicans and 11 Democrats. A roundup of the local candidates is available below.
District 15: Republican Rep. Dennis Ross announced in April he wouldn’t seek re-election for the district encompassing the northern parts of Hillsborough and Polk counties, including Brandon, Plant City, Lakeland and Bartow.
The candidates: Democrat Kristen Carlson and Republican Ross Spano
District 17: There's an open seat in this western South Florida-based district to replace Republican Tom Rooney. The district covers Venice, Englewood, Punta Gorda, Sebring, Port Charlotte, North Port, Okeechobee and Wauchula.
The candidates: Republic Greg Steube
District 9: The winner of the primary is expected to win the seat. It’s incumbent Democrat Darren Soto running against Democrat Alan Grayson. The district covers western Polk County and into Kissimmee and Winter Haven area.
-- Darren Soto (D): He was first elected in 2016 for District 9 and was the first person of Puerto Rican descent from Florida to serve in Congress. Soto advocated for relief aid to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria hit, called for a 5-point gun safety reform plan, advocated for women’s reproductive rights and has pushed for investments in renewable energy sources.
-- Alan Grayson (D): He is a former U.S. Representative for Florida’s District 9 and a former lawyer. Grayson has pushed for ending the war in Afghanistan and advocated for withdrawing troops. As a supporter of the Affordable Care Act, Grayson has called for increased access to healthcare coverage. He has also supported the DREAM Act and numerous women's issues.
-- The sole Republican challenger is Wayne Liebnitzky.
District 11: There’s no primary for this seat, but in the general election Democrat Dana Cottrell takes on Republican incumbent Daniel Webster. The district covers Spring Hill, Bushnell, The Villages and Homosassa Springs.
The candidates: Democrat Dana Cottrell and Republican incumbent Daniel Webster
District 12: Three Democrats (Chris Hunter, Stephen M. Perenich, Robert Matthew Tager) take on incumbent Republican Gus Bilirakis in the general election.
The candidates: Democrat Chris Hunter and Republican incumbent Gus Bilirakis
District 13: A GOP first-timer takes on overwhelming favorite Democrat incumbent Charlie Crist in the general election. The district covers all of St. Petersburg, Largo, Pinellas Park and Clearwater.
The candidates: Democrat incumbent Charlie Crist and Republican George Buck
District 16: Democrat David Shapiro is running to replace Republican incumbent Vern Buchanan in the general election. The district covers Sarasota and Bradenton.
The candidates: Republican incumbent Vern Buchanan and Democrat David Shapiro
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