Eric Hafner

This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.

Eric Hafner

Republican Party

Elections and appointments

Last election

January 28, 2025

Contact

Personal website

Eric Hafner (Republican Party) ran in a special election to the U.S. House to represent Florida's 1st Congressional District. He was disqualified from the special Republican primary scheduled on January 28, 2025.

Elections

2025

See also: Florida's 1st Congressional District special election, 2025

General election

Special general election for U.S. House Florida District 1

The following candidates ran in the special general election for U.S. House Florida District 1 on April 1, 2025.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Jimmy Patronis (R)	56.9	97,370
		Gay Valimont (D)	42.3	72,375
		Stephen E. Broden (No Party Affiliation)	0.8	1,384
		Stanley Gray (No Party Affiliation) (Write-in)	0.1	88
		Stan McDaniels (No Party Affiliation) (Write-in)	0.0	31
		Richard Dembinsky (No Party Affiliation) (Write-in)	0.0	0

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 171,248
= 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.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Tevin Channing Minus (No Party Affiliation)
• Alan Aversa (No Party Affiliation)
• Jonathan Green (No Party Affiliation)
• Tyler Davis (No Party Affiliation)

Democratic primary election

The Democratic primary election was canceled. Gay Valimont advanced from the special Democratic primary for U.S. House Florida District 1.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• C. Marcel Davis (D)

Republican primary election

Special Republican primary for U.S. House Florida District 1

The following candidates ran in the special Republican primary for U.S. House Florida District 1 on January 28, 2025.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Jimmy Patronis	65.7	33,742
		Joel Rudman	9.9	5,099
		Aaron Dimmock	6.7	3,423
		Gene Valentino	6.0	3,093
		Michael Dylan Thompson	5.0	2,548
		Greg Merk	2.5	1,287
	Submit photo	Jeff Peacock	1.4	743
		Kevin Gaffney	1.2	634
		John Mills	1.1	574
	Submit photo	Jeff Macey	0.4	187

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 51,330
= 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.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Christopher Slater (R)
• Cindy Meadows (R)
• Jeff Witt (R)
• Uloma Ekpete Kama (R)
• Eric Hafner (R)
• Angela Marie Walls-Windhauser (R)
• Scott Trotter (R)

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Hafner in this election.

2024

See also: United States House of Representatives election in Alaska, 2024

General election

General election for U.S. House Alaska At-large District

Select round: Round 3 Round 2 Round 1

The ranked-choice voting election was won by Nicholas Begich in round 3 . The results of Round are displayed below. To see the results of other rounds, use the dropdown menu above to select a round and the table will update.

		Candidate	%	Total Votes	Transfer	Round eliminated
		Nicholas Begich	51.2	164,861	4,817	Won (3)
		Mary Peltola	48.8	156,985	2,724	3
		John Howe	0.0	0	-13,871	2
		Eric Hafner	0.0	0	0	1

		Candidate	%	Total Votes	Transfer	Round eliminated
		Nicholas Begich	48.8	160,044	267	Won (3)
		Mary Peltola	47.0	154,261	1,313	3
		John Howe	4.2	13,871	661	2
		Eric Hafner	0.0	0	-3,558	1

		Candidate	%	Total Votes	Transfer	Round eliminated
		Nicholas Begich	48.5	159,777	0	Won (3)
		Mary Peltola	46.4	152,948	0	3
		John Howe	4.0	13,210	0	2
		Eric Hafner	1.1	3,558	0	1
		Lady Donna Dutchess (Write-in)	0.0	0	0	1

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 329,493
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Matthew Salisbury (R)
• Nancy Dahlstrom (R)

Nonpartisan primary election

Nonpartisan primary for U.S. House Alaska At-large District

The following candidates ran in the primary for U.S. House Alaska At-large District on August 20, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Mary Peltola (D)	50.9	55,166
✔		Nicholas Begich (R)	26.6	28,803
✔		Nancy Dahlstrom (R)	19.9	21,574
✔		Matthew Salisbury (R)	0.6	652
		John Howe (Alaskan Independence Party)	0.6	621
		Eric Hafner (D)	0.4	467
	Submit photo	Gerald Heikes (R)	0.4	424
		Lady Donna Dutchess (Nonpartisan)	0.2	195
		David Ambrose (Nonpartisan)	0.1	154
		Richard Grayson (No Labels Party)	0.1	143
	Submit photo	Richard Mayers (Undeclared)	0.1	119
	Submit photo	Samuel Claesson (Nonpartisan)	0.1	89

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 108,407
= 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.
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Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Hafner in this election.

2018

General election

General election for U.S. House Oregon District 3

Incumbent Earl Blumenauer defeated Tom Harrison, Marc Koller, Gary Dye, and Michael P. Marsh in the general election for U.S. House Oregon District 3 on November 6, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Earl Blumenauer (D)	72.6	279,019
		Tom Harrison (R)	19.8	76,187
		Marc Koller (Independent Party of Oregon)	5.6	21,352
		Gary Dye (L)	1.5	5,767
		Michael P. Marsh (Constitution Party)	0.4	1,487
		Other/Write-in votes	0.1	514

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 384,326 (100.00% precincts reporting)
= 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.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Oregon District 3

Incumbent Earl Blumenauer defeated Ben Lavine, Charles Rand Barnett, and Eric Hafner in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Oregon District 3 on May 15, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Earl Blumenauer	91.0	91,226
		Ben Lavine	6.0	6,008
	Submit photo	Charles Rand Barnett	1.6	1,586
		Eric Hafner	1.4	1,377

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified.	Total votes: 100,197
= 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.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Oregon District 3

Tom Harrison advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House Oregon District 3 on May 15, 2018.

		Candidate
✔		Tom Harrison

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified.
= 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.

Independent Party of Oregon primary election

Independent Party of Oregon primary for U.S. House Oregon District 3

Marc Koller defeated David Walker in the Independent Party of Oregon primary for U.S. House Oregon District 3 on May 15, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Marc Koller	55.7	930
		David Walker	44.3	741

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified.	Total votes: 1,671
= 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.

2016

See also: Hawaii's 2nd Congressional District election, 2016

Heading into the election, Ballotpedia rated this race as safely Democratic. Incumbent Tulsi Gabbard (D) defeated Angela Aulani Kaaihue (R) and Richard Turner (Independent) in the general election on November 8, 2016. Gabbard defeated Shay Chan Hodges in the Democratic primary, while Kaaihue defeated Eric Hafner to win the Republican nomination. The primary elections took place on August 13, 2016.

U.S. House, Hawaii District 2 General Election, 2016

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Tulsi Gabbard Incumbent	81.2%	170,848
	Republican	Angela Aulani Kaaihue	18.8%	39,668
Total Votes				210,516
Source: Hawaii Secretary of State

U.S. House, Hawaii District 2 Democratic Primary, 2016

Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Tulsi Gabbard Incumbent	84.5%	80,026
Shay Chan Hodges	15.5%	14,643
Total Votes		94,669
Source: Hawaii Secretary of State

U.S. House, Hawaii District 2 Republican Primary, 2016

Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Angela Aulani Kaaihue	55.9%	7,449
Eric Hafner	44.1%	5,876
Total Votes		13,325
Source: Hawaii Secretary of State

Campaign themes

2025

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Eric Hafner did not complete Ballotpedia's 2025 Candidate Connection survey.

2024

Eric Hafner did not complete Ballotpedia's 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

Interview with Alaska Beacon

Hafner highlighted the following themes in an interview with Alaska Beacon. The questions from Alaska Beacon are bolded and Hafner's responses follow below.

“

Biggest need: What’s Alaska’s biggest need, and how would you address it? The traditional gas & oil economy is under transition, like it or not. Stabilizing the industries via discontinuing expansion, as additional income sources are developed will ensure a smooth transition. The world is moving toward a greener approach, away from environmentally damaging fossil fuels. Money can still flow-lots of money! Opportunity abounds. Additionally, fisheries & especially world renowned Alaskan salmon industry & associated jobs must be nurtured. Support of Alaska fisheries, especially Native is vital to substance & economy. Developing an entertainment and education industry to highlight the history and culture is also timely-there is a current successful marketing of Native American story lines. Improvements: What improvements to Alaskans’ day-to-day lives can you make from the House of Representatives? Alaskans need the same supports all Americans need: homelessness should not be part of America's landscape. Especially for those who have selflessly served America. Our Vets deserve our support continuing after their service. Cost of living is high in Alaska, especially for those in remote areas. America can provide supplies throughout the world if we are deployed-the same effort can support our residents in Alaska. Food can be provided the same way the PX serves our military families This can also be coordinated in other states. Oil: How long will oil be central to Alaska’s economy, and what, if anything, should the state’s Congressional delegation be doing now to prepare for a post-oil future? Education w/lifelong learning agendas will prepare Alaskans for successful careers. The higher education institutions are well respected. Alaska is close to Asia. International students pay a considerably higher tuition rate, supporting university costs for all students. Marketing these institutions abroad already receives high interest. Alaska's approaches to Earth climate changes resonates in other countries where higher water levels, flooding & more are impacting life & economies. Indigenous cultures have spurred great interest in entertainment industries. Celebration of these historical traditions is already generating film industry revenues. Not to mention raising awareness of our diverse history. Directed spending: Do you support the use of congressionally directed spending for Alaska, why or why not? Alaska already receives the highest proportion of funding per person but the state also has a very high cost of living. I support services that directly benefit each Alaskan. I also support service expenditures for all states that help folks live a healthy quality of life. We don't have to trade one state against another. Much like discussion of education spending, the quality of benefit should be universal, not dictated by a zip code. Our children & families are our national treasures & resources for a bright future. Let's support students coming to Alaska from elsewhere to learn Indigenous traditions, the climate challenges & how to bring Alaskan solutions to the Lower 48. Higher education has already tackled this-successfully! Obstacles: What would you do to remove or prevent procedural obstacles in the US House over the next two years? There are theatrics playing out among individuals more intent on attention seeking than problem solving. We & the media know who the are. They aren't addressing solutions. Call them out. If their constituents are supportive of Reality TV & mud wrestling antics, shame on them for standing in the way of actively finding solutions benefiting all America. Abortion/contraceptives: What actions should Congress take on abortion and contraceptives? This issue should have had a final resolution YEARS ago but since that can was kicked down the road, time is overdue to stop the stupid. Canada recently approved providing free access to contraception. Healthcare decisions are between a woman and her medical provider. Returning to the 1950's doesn't work. American healthcare is an international disgrace. Let's change that now, once and for all. Fisheries: How should Congress and the federal government address the state’s growing fisheries crisis? Across America, Alaskan salmon, especially, has rave reviews. So do other Alaskan fish. Continuing to promote these high quality nutritious proteins is a service to all American consumers. January 2025 will have a report in hand regarding recommendations to support this industry. let's see how we can together support positive efforts. Land management: What’s the best way to handle land management conflicts between the federal government and the state? Stoking the fires of hate is a political strategy that must stop. Bullying doesn't resolve complex issues. Voters want solutions. Sit down, review the history behind the issues. Native Indigenous peoples have considerable claim to areas. It's long overdue to respect these realities. Dialog & diplomacy are the groundwork of finding solutions. Tribes: How would you rate the federal government’s interactions with Alaska Native tribes, and what, if anything, should be changed? Most recently, our environmental crisis has come to the international forefront. Our Native peoples must be respected as they survive off their land, hunting also on the sea. In my formal education, I learned about children being ripped from their families, being sent to remote residential schools where their cultural identities were destroyed. Recognizing these heartbreaking injustices is the first step. Our diverse American heritages are what makes us different but also unite us as one country. Education about our true American history will strengthen us all. I recently viewed the film, "One With the Whale" which explores attitudes toward whale hunting. While it had more focus on individuals criticizing the hunting, as a country & our government, we must understand hunting for survival. Immigration: What should Congress be doing on immigration issues? Get all the stakeholders in one room. Close the door. You don't leave until you agree on a forward plan. Enough of the procrastination. Congress is supposed to come up with solutions, not theatrics. As long as those without an interest in solutions are given media showcase, the issues will fester without resolution. We all know who these attention seeking individuals are. Take away their platform. Party: On what issues do you disagree with your party’s political platform? If you’re running as an independent, what party would you prefer to caucus with? As a Democrat, I support the traditional Party stances. Every issue can be viewed from the perspective of "How can this help folks?" Healthcare For All including the Right to Choose, Education including free college, access to decent and safe housing, Equal Rights for LGBTQIA, etc. Being a Democrat means standing up as a voice for those who, for whatever reason, might not be able to do so. That's the part where I see "Democrats" not always stepping up to do the hard part. Talk is easy. Action, taking a stance, like running for office, requires an inner strength, commitment & passion. This is something I have always been willing to do. That's why I ask for your vote. Israel-Palestine: What should the United States do to resolve the Israel-Palestine conflict? After involvement, it's difficult to backpaddle. I don't think America should have started supplying arms. Israel is very capable of defending itself & has a trained military to do so. For generations, the Middle East has been in conflict. No, we don't want innocent individuals harmed or killed. But we haven't prevented that. Innocent children, especially those in hospitals have died. Call for an immediate cease fire. Transgender issues: How should the federal government handle issues affecting transgender Alaskans? Regardless of gender identification, we are all human. For those who claim to be religious, "What would Jesus do?" I don't believe anyone intentionally choses a path that is overwhelmingly filled with heartbreaking hurdles. Climate refugees: How much risk does Alaska face from climate-change-driven refugees? Significant impact from the melting permafrost has already undermined communities. Loss of sea ice. Villages are losing their foundations. Where to relocate? Maintaining Native traditions is critical, especially regarding hunting & food sources. We don't know the full impact of these temperature increases. I goes beyond the Indigenous lands & we are experiencing these changes across the Lower 48 & beyond. Biden administration: Alaska’s two senators have said the Biden administration is waging a “war on Alaska” with various executive orders. Do you agree with that assessment, and what, if anything, should be done? The main issue that comes to mind involves oil drilling in Alaska. Big oil money influences many to the point of ignoring long term impact. Salmon & fishing industries require pristine waters. Already they pollution impost has been detrimental. How much money is enough? Who actually benefits? I remain opposed to drilling in ANWR. The physical process of mineral mining is toxic. It requires procedures that leave toxic residues. Those who make the big money from these endeavors don't live on these lands. Let's look to other opportunities to create income without destroying the beauty of Alaska in the process.

”

2018

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's candidate surveys

Eric Hafner participated in Ballotpedia's candidate survey on April 20, 2018. The survey questions appear in bold, and Eric Hafner's responses follow below.

What would be your top three priorities, if elected?

“

Ending Police Misconduct, Legalizing All Drugs, Building Socialism

”

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Why?

“

Eric Hafner wants to legalize all drugs, allow prisoners to vote, build public housing for all, implement a universal public healthcare system, nationalize the banks, and end the prison industrial complex. We need a War on Poverty, not a War on Drugs, because it is really a war on the humans who use drugs. The environment must be protected, we must reduce greenhouse gas emissions and harness alternative energy. College should be free for all to attend, just like public K-12 education. If you agree then vote Hafner for Congress, May 15, 2018!

”

Ballotpedia also asked the candidate a series of optional questions. Eric Hafner answered the following:

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow and why?

“

Before the death of American hero Dennis Peron, the famous LGBT rights, HIV/AIDS and Marijuana activist, Gay Hippie Vietnam War Veteran, close friend of the late Harvey Milk (the first openly gay elected official in America), a co-author of California's Prop 215 - the first medical marijuana law in America, and operator of the San Francisco Cannabis Buyer's Club (the first medical marijuana dispensary in the United States), Eric Hafner met with Dennis Peron at his home in the Castro district of San Francisco to discuss the future of the marijuana movement and during this meeting the late, great Dennis Peron decreed that Eric Hafner would be an emissary of his policies. Like Dennis Peron, Eric Hafner believes that all marijuana use is medical. In his fight for civil rights, Dennis had been arrested at least 22 times and even shot by the police . The evil, hateful officer who brutally shot Dennis said he wished he had killed Dennis so there would be, "one less faggot in San Francisco". Dennis Peron, was a great visionary who was well-loved and is dearly missed by all who knew him. Eric Hafner wants to carry on building the framework Dennis created for legal marijuana to help improve public health and create a kinder, gentler America, without big business or complicated licensing systems, but small growers and collectives with people helping people achieve wellness.

”

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else that best describes your political philosophy?

“

Breaking Bad's fictional character Jesse Pinkman once said, "You don't want a criminal lawyer, you want a CRIMINAL lawyer." and while Eric Hafner always abides by the law when providing Criminal Defense Consulting services, Jesse had a point. Too many lawyers will take their client's money, and then fail to defend their client's interests, nor think outside the box and treat their clients with a poor attitude, despite being hired to defend them and be their advocate. When providing Criminal Defense Consulting, Eric Hafner always treats his clients as if they were him, and the Prosecutor is the enemy who must be destroyed. Eric Hafner is responsible for numerous acquittals spanning multiple states.

”

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

“

Some who firmly believes in intersectionality, decolonization, and an end to the patriarchal system of white supremacy and classism that governs the racist government of the imperialist American Empire, a colonial state built on genocide and land stolen from the Native Americans, and built with the slave labor of kidnapped Africans.

”

What qualities do you possess that would make you a successful officeholder?

“

"My experience in politics, criminal justice, international relations, as a volunteer patient advocate, drug policy reform & civil rights activist, and as clergy all come together to enable me to be the best candidate in Portland to strive for a socialist America, free of corporate corruption and oppression, with better jobs and less taxes for working people."- Eric Hafner

”

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

“

Fighting for what matters for working-class people. A long-time civil rights and political activist, Eric Hafner has spent more than half his life fighting for what matters for working-class people. Eric Hafner has worked as a Diplomatic Advisor, Criminal Defense Consultant, Union Organizer, Hotel Manager, Marketing Assistant in Real Estate, Medical Cannabis Policy Advisor to Manalapan Township - New Jersey, Political Consultant, and Field Organizer for Progressive causes involving K-12 Education funding, in support of teacher's unions.

”

What legacy would you like to leave?

“

In life, tomorrow is promised to no one. Therefore, Eric Hafner spends everyday helping others, to make the world a better place than the way it was when he came into it. In Congress, that is exactly what Eric Hafner will continue to do.

”

What is your favorite holiday? Why?

“

4/20 the Cannabis Holiday, because I love Ganja

”

What is your favorite book? Why?

“

1984 by George Orwell. Because it predicted 2018 and the NSA Spy State.

”

What is your favorite thing in your home or apartment? Why?

“

Cannabis Bong.

”

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

“

Tupac - Changes

”

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

“

Eric Hafner is a survivor of police brutality, false arrest, illegal incarceration, and torture, all at the hands of our broken legal system, that abuses minors and violates the U.S. Constitution. Eric Hafner is a former political prisoner who has also survived homelessness, caused by the corrupt New Jersey legal system, and unaffordable housing costs for working-class people. We need Eric Hafner in DC to fight for what matters!

”

What process do you favor for redistricting?

“

One that empowers racial minority and poor voters, and all others that are normally disenfranchised by our discriminatory system designed to work only for rich white people and multinational corporations

”

If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?

“

Any role that will allow me to maximize my ability to get results for the working-class

”

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

“

Cynthia McKinney

”

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

“

When Dennis Peron, the late LGBT and Marijuana Activist told me about how his lover Jonathan West died of AIDS, only two weeks after pleading guilty to possession of marijuana he was using for medical purposes, and how that motivated Dennis to change the law to help others. I want to continue his work and legalize marijuana nationally like California did with Prop 215 in 1996, all use is medical.

”

2016

The following issues were listed on Hafner's campaign website. For a full list of campaign themes, click here.

“	Free Hawaii: End the illegitimate U.S. presence in Hawai'i! Cut defense spending Free college for all Legalize Cannabis Repeal NAFTA	”
—Eric Hafner's campaign website, https://erichafnerforcongress.wordpress.com/issues/

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.

---

Eric Hafner campaign contribution history

Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2024*	U.S. House Alaska At-large District	Lost general	$0	N/A**
2018	U.S. House Oregon District 3	Lost primary	$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.

Noteworthy cases

Federal prisoner ruled ballot eligible (2024)

See also: Alaska Third District (Alaska Democratic Party and Anita Thorne v. Director Carol Beecher, 3AN-24-08665CI)

On September 10, 2024, Judge Ian Wheeles dismissed the lawsuit filed by the Alaska Democratic Party (ADP) to remove Eric Hafner (D), a candidate to represent Alaska's at-large congressional district, from the ballot. At the time of the lawsuit, Hafner was serving a 20-year sentence at a federal prison in New York for threatening elected officials, and he was set to be released in 2036.

The ADP argued that since Alaskan ranked-choice voting law dictates that if a top four candidate withdraws, the fifth place candidate will take the spot, having a sixth place candidate like Hafner make it on to the ballot is unprecedented and illegal. Nancy Dahlstrom (R) and Matthew Salisbury (R) both withdrew after making the top four which granted John Howe and Hafner spots on the ballot. The ADP also argued that Hafner is ineligible as the Constitution requires that a candidate for U.S. House must be “an inhabitant of that State” by the time they are elected.

The state argued that if the Division of Elections was required to stop printing ballots and print new ones without Hafner, it would likely incur significant costs and they would risk missing state and federal ballot deadlines. They also argued that the ADP was seeking to remove Hafner in order to further advance the candidate they had endorsed, Mary Peltola (D). Prior to Dahlstrom and Salisbury withdrawing, Peltola was going to be the only Democrat on the ballot.

In his opinion, Judge Ian Wheeles ruled that ranked-choice voting allows each vote to rank however they choose therefore eliminating any potential claim of harm. He also ruled that the court could not weigh in on the probability of Hafner residing in Alaska by Election Day. Finally, in reference to the Alaskan voting statute, Wheeles ruled that the language used is meant to be an example of the ballot filling process when a candidate withdraws and it is not limited to only fifth place moving up only.

See also

2025 Elections

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Footnotes

[show]

Florida's current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

Ashley Moody (R)

Rick Scott (R)

Representatives

District 1

Jimmy Patronis (R)

District 2

Neal Dunn (R)

District 3

Kat Cammack (R)

District 4

Aaron Bean (R)

District 5

John Rutherford (R)

District 6

Randy Fine (R)

District 7

Cory Mills (R)

District 8

Mike Haridopolos (R)

District 9

Darren Soto (D)

District 10

Maxwell Frost (D)

District 11

Daniel Webster (R)

District 12

Gus Bilirakis (R)

District 13

Anna Luna (R)

District 14

Kathy Castor (D)

District 15

Laurel Lee (R)

District 16

Vern Buchanan (R)

District 17

Greg Steube (R)

District 18

Scott Franklin (R)

District 19

Byron Donalds (R)

District 20

Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D)

District 21

Brian Mast (R)

District 22

Lois Frankel (D)

District 23

Jared Moskowitz (D)

District 24

Frederica Wilson (D)

District 25

Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D)

District 26

Mario Diaz-Balart (R)

District 27

Maria Elvira Salazar (R)

District 28

Carlos Gimenez (R)

Republican Party (22)

Democratic Party (8)