Everything you need to know about ranked-choice voting in one spot. Click to learn more!

Dylan Modarelli

From Ballotpedia
Jump to: navigation, search
Dylan Modarelli
Image of Dylan Modarelli

Republican Party

Candidate, U.S. House Florida District 19

Elections and appointments
Next election

November 3, 2026

Education

High school

North Bergen High School

Personal
Birthplace
Jersey City, N.J.
Religion
Christian
Profession
Jeweler
Contact

Campaign website

Personal Facebook

Dylan Modarelli (Republican Party) is running for election to the U.S. House to represent Florida's 19th Congressional District. He declared candidacy for the 2026 election.[source]

Modarelli completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Dylan Modarelli was born in Jersey City, New Jersey. He graduated from North Bergen High School. He attended Hudson County Community College. His career experience includes working as a jeweler.[1]

Elections

2026

See also: Florida's 19th Congressional District election, 2026

Note: At this time, Ballotpedia is combining all declared candidates for this election into one list under a general election heading. As primary election dates are published, this information will be updated to separate general election candidates from primary candidates as appropriate.

General election

The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.

General election for U.S. House Florida District 19

The following candidates are running in the general election for U.S. House Florida District 19 on November 3, 2026.

Candidate
Image of Howard Sapp
Howard Sapp (D)
Image of Madison Cawthorn
Madison Cawthorn (R)
Image of John Fratto
John Fratto (R)
Image of Ola Hawatmeh
Ola Hawatmeh (R)
Image of Catalina Lauf
Catalina Lauf (R)
Image of Dylan Modarelli
Dylan Modarelli (R) Candidate Connection
Image of Jim Oberweis
Jim Oberweis (R)
Image of Mike Pedersen
Mike Pedersen (R) Candidate Connection
Image of Jim Schwartzel
Jim Schwartzel (R) Candidate Connection

Incumbents are bolded and underlined.

Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Endorsements

Ballotpedia is gathering information about candidate endorsements. To send us an endorsement, click here.

Campaign themes

2026

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection

Dylan Modarelli completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Modarelli's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

My name is Dylan Modarelli. I’m not a career politician—I’m a citizen who believes in action, accountability, and the power of common sense. I’ve lived simply, worked hard, and seen firsthand what happens when the government forgets the people it’s supposed to serve.

I’m running for Congress because I believe in less welfare and more prosperity—because people deserve opportunity, not dependency. I stand for the forgotten: working families, animal lovers, small business owners, and everyone tired of broken promises.

We need leaders who live like us, think like us, and fight for us.

I’m not here to play politics. I’m here to protect your rights, defend your freedom, and return power to the people. Let’s restore sanity, dignity, and real results to government.
  • Opportunity Over Dependency “We don’t need more handouts—we need more opportunity. I believe in lifting people up through jobs, education, and entrepreneurship, not keeping them trapped in a cycle of welfare.”
  • Power Back to the People “Career politicians have forgotten who they work for. I’m running to return power to the people—by cutting waste, ending corruption, and making government work for you, not for lobbyists and insiders.”
  • Protect the Voiceless—Humans and Animals “I will fight for the forgotten—including the animals we neglect and euthanize, and the working families struggling to be heard. Compassion and common sense can coexist.”
I’m passionate about protecting animals. I believe no animal should be killed just because it’s unwanted. I stand firmly against euthanizing healthy animals in shelters. We need real, compassionate policies that promote adoption, fund no-kill shelters, and punish cruelty. How we treat the voiceless says everything about our society. I believe in prosperity through hard work — not handouts.I’ve seen how government dependency can rob people of their drive and dignity. I support policies that create opportunity, not entitlement — more jobs, more support for small businesses, and fewer roadblocks for people chasing the American dream. I demand accountability from government.
I’m tired of the lies, the broken promises, and the waste.
I look up to Abraham Lincoln because he led with strength, humility, and conviction. He faced one of the most divided times in our nation’s history, and instead of backing down or playing politics, he stood firm on what was right — even when it was hard.

He believed in the power of the people, the importance of unity, and the idea that this country could live up to its highest ideals. Lincoln proved that leadership isn’t about power — it’s about purpose. That’s the kind of leader I strive to be.
If you want to understand how I think — not just politically, but personally — I’d recommend a mix of ideas, not just one book or film. I don’t follow a party line or any one ideology. I pull from real life, common sense, and a few key sources that have stuck with me.

First, the Bible. Whether you’re religious or not, the values in there — personal responsibility, compassion for the poor, respect for life, freedom, justice — they shaped how I see the world. “You reap what you sow.” That’s not just spiritual; that’s how life works.

Second, “Atlas Shrugged” by Ayn Rand. You don’t have to agree with every part of it to see the message: when government punishes hard work and rewards dependency, society falls apart. That book reminded me that freedom and productivity go hand in hand.

Third, “The Pursuit of Happyness” with Will Smith. It’s not a political film, but it’s about grit. It’s about not giving up, no matter how hard life gets. That’s the America I believe in — where anyone, even someone sleeping in a subway bathroom, can rise up with enough determination.

And finally, real life. I’ve seen what it’s like to live outside the system, to struggle, to survive. No book can teach you what living simply and seeing people struggle to get ahead teaches you. That’s where my philosophy comes from — the real world, not the ivory tower.

I believe in freedom, fairness, and fighting for those who’ve been forgotten. If that sounds like something you believe in too, then I’m your candidate.
To me, the most important thing for any elected official is to remember who they work for — the people, not the party, not the lobbyists, and definitely not themselves.

Integrity comes first.
If you’re not honest, you’ve got no business holding office. I believe in saying what I mean, doing what I say, and owning up when I fall short. The public deserves the truth — even when it’s not easy.

Accountability matters.
If I make a promise, I’ll keep it — or I’ll explain why I didn’t. Too many politicians disappear after election day. That’s not me. I’ll be visible, reachable, and responsible to the people who put me there.

Common sense should guide policy.
I believe in real-world solutions, not political games. If it doesn’t work in real life, it doesn’t belong in law. I trust regular people to make good choices when government gets out of the way and focuses on doing its actual job.

Compassion isn’t weakness.
You can fight for freedom and still care deeply for others — especially the most vulnerable. That includes the working poor, struggling families, and animals who can’t speak for themselves. A good leader has a strong back and a soft heart.

And finally — humility.

I don’t think I have all the answers. I believe in listening, learning, and growing. Leadership isn’t about ego; it’s about service. I’m not running to be someone — I’m running to do something.
I’m not a polished politician — I’m a grounded, hard-working citizen who speaks plainly and acts with purpose. I believe what sets me apart is my honesty, common sense, and unshakable work ethic. I’ve lived simply, worked with my hands, and faced real struggles — so I understand the people I want to represent.

I don’t make excuses. I don’t back down. And I don’t forget who I work for. I bring guts, grit, and a deep sense of responsibility — and that’s exactly what Washington needs more of.
If I’m elected to Congress, I know exactly what the job is — and what it’s not. It’s not about power, titles, or getting rich. It’s about representing the people who sent you there. Period. I believe the core responsibility of anyone in public office is to listen, serve, and fight for the everyday Americans who are too often ignored.

First and foremost, I believe in protecting your rights. Our Constitution isn’t just a document — it’s a promise. I’ll defend your freedom of speech, your right to self-defense, your right to live without government overreach, and your right to be left alone when you’re not hurting anyone.

Second, it’s about solving real problems. The job is to pass laws that actually make life better — safer communities, stronger schools, good-paying jobs, affordable living. That takes common sense, not partisan games or corporate loyalty.

Third, I believe in staying connected to the people. Too many politicians forget where they came from. I won’t. I’ll be visible, accessible, and accountable — holding town halls, answering calls, and staying grounded in the lives of the people I represent.

And finally, I believe in being a good steward of taxpayer money.

You work hard for what you earn. I’ll treat every dollar the government spends like it came out of my own pocket — because it did come out of yours. No waste, no nonsense. This isn’t about building a career in politics. It’s about doing the job right — and then stepping aside when it’s time for someone else to take the torch.
I want to be remembered as someone who stood up when it mattered — not for power, but for people. I want to leave behind a legacy of honesty, courage, and action. Not just words, not just promises — real results for real people.

If I can help restore trust in government, give a voice to the forgotten, and inspire others to lead with integrity, that’s a legacy I’ll be proud of.

I don’t want a statue — I want a stronger country.
The first major historical event I clearly remember was September 11, 2001. I was around 11 years old, and I can still feel the shock of that day. I didn’t fully understand everything at the time, but I knew the world had changed.

Watching the fear, the unity, and the strength that followed had a big impact on me. It made me realize that freedom is fragile, and that leaders matter most when everything’s on the line. That day planted a seed in me — one that’s still growing.
My very first job was at a hotel. I was young, working long hours doing whatever was needed — cleaning, running errands, helping guests. It taught me responsibility, how to deal with people, and the value of hard work. I kept that job for over a year, and it grounded me in the real world.

That experience didn’t just teach me a paycheck — it taught me humility, service, and grit.
One of my favorite books is “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor Frankl. It’s powerful because it shows that even in the darkest circumstances, we can choose our attitude, our purpose, and our path forward.

Frankl’s message — that meaning comes from struggle, responsibility, and service to others — has always stuck with me. It reminds me that no matter how hard life gets, we’re here to do something that matters. That’s how I try to live, and that’s the mindset I’ll bring to public service.
If I could be any fictional character, I’d choose Captain America. Not because of the superpowers — but because of what he stands for: honor, courage, standing up for what’s right, even when it’s hard or unpopular. He doesn’t chase power — he protects people. He questions authority when it goes too far. And he never forgets where he came from.

That kind of loyalty to principle is exactly how I want to lead in real life.
The last song that got stuck in my head was “God’s Country” by Blake Shelton. It’s one of those songs that hits you deep — about faith, roots, hard work, and pride in where you come from. It reminds me what I’m fighting for: the people, the land, and the values that make this country worth believing in.
One of the biggest struggles in my life has been starting from the bottom without a safety net. I’ve had to work hard for everything — no connections, no shortcuts, just grit and faith. There were times I didn’t know how I’d pay rent or keep going, but I never quit.

That struggle shaped me. It gave me empathy, strength, and the drive to fight for people who feel like the system isn’t built for them — because I’ve lived it. And that’s exactly who I’m running for.
The House is the people’s chamber — plain and simple. It’s fast-moving, directly accountable, and closest to everyday Americans. With elections every two years, it keeps Representatives on their toes and connected to the real world.

It’s where grassroots voices can rise, bold ideas can be introduced quickly, and change can start from the ground up. That direct connection to the people is what makes the House powerful — and why I want to be there.
I don’t believe you need to come from politics to serve the people — in fact, I think it’s often a benefit if you don’t. Real-life experience matters more than political games. We need more voices in Congress who’ve worked real jobs, paid real bills, and lived through what everyday Americans face.

Common sense, honesty, and backbone are more valuable than a lifetime in Washington.
Over the next decade, I believe our biggest challenges will be restoring trust in government, protecting our economy from collapse, securing our borders, and uniting a deeply divided country. We’re losing faith, control, and connection — and if we don’t fix that, nothing else will matter.

We need truth, strength, and unity — or we risk losing what makes America great.
Yes — I believe two years is the right length for a Representative’s term. It keeps us accountable and connected to the people we serve. If we’re not doing the job, voters shouldn’t have to wait long to replace us.

Short terms mean we work for you — not ourselves.
I fully support term limits. Public office should be about service, not a lifelong career. The longer politicians stay in power, the more disconnected they get from the people. We need fresh ideas, not career politicians clinging to influence.

Serve the people, then step aside. That’s how it should work.
I don’t want to be a copy of anyone — but I respect leaders who stood their ground, spoke the truth, and didn’t back down. People like Ron Paul, who fought for liberty even when it wasn’t popular, or Teddy Roosevelt, who took on corruption with bold action.

I’m not trying to follow in someone’s footsteps — I’m trying to cut a new path for the people who feel forgotten.
One story that’s stayed with me was from a woman working two jobs who told me she had to choose between paying her rent or putting her dog down because she couldn’t afford the vet bill. She wasn’t lazy. She wasn’t looking for a handout. She was doing everything right — and still felt like she was losing.

That hit me hard. It reminded me that so many people are doing their best, but the system is stacked against them — and even the ones with the biggest hearts can’t catch a break. I’m running to fight for people like her — the forgotten, the overworked, and the ones who deserve better.
I believe compromise is necessary — but only when it serves the people, not the politicians. I’m not interested in backroom deals or watered-down nonsense. But if honest dialogue and common ground can move us forward without selling out our values, I’m all for it.

Real leadership means knowing when to stand firm and when to work together.
The Constitution gives the House the power to start all bills that raise taxes or generate revenue — and I take that seriously. If elected, I’ll use that power to fight for responsible spending, lower taxes, and putting money back in the hands of the people, not bloated bureaucracies. We don’t need more ways to take your money — we need better ways to use the money we already have. If I have a say in where your dollars go, I’ll make sure it’s toward freedom, opportunity, and real results — not waste.
The House’s investigative powers should be used to hold government accountable — not score political points. If there’s corruption, waste, abuse of power, or agencies failing the people, the House has a duty to expose it.

This power should serve truth, transparency, and justice — not headlines or vendettas. As a Representative, I’d support investigations that protect your rights, your tax dollars, and your trust in government.

The goal isn’t drama — it’s accountability.
I’m interested in committees where I can fight for real change — like the Oversight and Accountability Committee, to expose waste and corruption, the Small Business Committee, to support entrepreneurs, and the Agriculture Committee, where I can advocate for animal welfare and rural communities.

I want to be where I can make the biggest impact for the people — not the politicians.
I believe every dollar the government spends should be traceable and justified. That’s your money — not theirs.

If elected, I’ll fight for full audits of government agencies, strict limits on lobbyist influence, and public access to how your tax dollars are used. I’ll lead by example and make my own finances transparent.

I support term limits, cutting waste, and removing politicians who stop serving the people. No more hiding. No more excuses.

If the people pay for it, they deserve to see it. Period.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Campaign finance summary

Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

Dylan Modarelli campaign contribution history
YearOfficeStatusContributionsExpenditures
2026* U.S. House Florida District 19Candidacy Declared general$0 N/A**
Grand total$0 N/A**
Sources: OpenSecrets,  Federal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

See also

2026 Elections

Ballotpedia Election Coverage Badge.png
What's on the ballot?
U.S. Congress
U.S. Congress special elections
State executives
State legislatures
State courts
Ballot measures
Municipal government
School boards
Election analysis hub

Government

Seal of Florida.png
Who represents me?
U.S. Congress
State executives
State legislators
State courts
Ballot measures
Municipal government
School boards

Newsletters

Ballotpedia RSS.jpg
The Daily Brew
The Weekly Brew
The Ballot Bulletin
Checks and Balances
Economy and Society
Hall Pass
Number of the Day
Robe & Gavel
Union Station


External links

Candidate

U.S. House Florida District 19
  • Website
    		•

    Personal

  • Facebook
    		•

    Footnotes

    1. ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on June 13, 2025


    Florida's current delegation to the United States Congress
    Senators
    Ashley Moody (R)
    Rick Scott (R)
    Representatives
    District 1
    District 2
    Neal Dunn (R)
    District 3
    District 4
    District 5
    District 6
    District 7
    District 8
    District 9
    District 10
    District 11
    District 12
    District 13
    Anna Luna (R)
    District 14
    District 15
    District 16
    District 17
    District 18
    District 19
    District 20
    District 21
    District 22
    District 23
    District 24
    District 25
    District 26
    District 27
    District 28
    Republican Party (22)
    Democratic Party (8)


    Flag of Florida
    v • e
    State of Florida
    Tallahassee (capital)
    Elections

    What's on my ballot? | Elections in 2025 | How to vote | How to run for office | Ballot measures

    Government

    Who represents me? | U.S. President | U.S. Congress | Federal courts | State executives | State legislature | State and local courts | Counties | Cities | School districts | Public policy


    Retrieved from "https://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php?title=Dylan_Modarelli&oldid=10417010"