Florida's 12th Congressional District election, 2026

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Florida's 12th Congressional District
General election
Election details
Filing deadline: April 24, 2026
Primary: August 18, 2026 General: November 3, 2026
How to vote
Poll times: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voting in Florida
Race ratings
Cook Political Report: Solid Republican DDHQ and The Hill: Pending Inside Elections: Solid Republican Sabato's Crystal Ball: Safe Republican
Ballotpedia analysis
U.S. Senate battlegrounds U.S. House battlegrounds Federal and state primary competitiveness Ballotpedia's Election Analysis Hub, 2026
See also
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All U.S. House districts, including the 12th Congressional District of Florida, are holding elections in 2026. The general election is November 3, 2026. To learn more about other elections on the ballot, click here.

Candidates and election results

Note: The following list includes official candidates only. Ballotpedia defines official candidates as people who:

• Register with a federal or state campaign finance agency before the candidate filing deadline
• Appear on candidate lists released by government election agencies

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 12

Incumbent Gus M. Bilirakis and Christopher Irizarry are running in the general election for U.S. House Florida District 12 on November 3, 2026.

		Candidate
		Gus M. Bilirakis (R)
		Christopher Irizarry (D)

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined.
= 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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Candidate profiles

This section includes candidate profiles that may be created in one of two ways: either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff may compile a profile based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements after identifying the candidate as noteworthy. For more on how we select candidates to include, click here.

Christopher Irizarry

Party: Democratic Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  "I was born in Hialeah and grew up in Carol City, Florida. I earned my BFA from Florida Atlantic University in 1994, and joined the U.S. Army in 1995. I enlisted as a UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopter Repairer and served in South Korea, North Carolina, Germany, and Colorado. I was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, The Air Crewmember Badge, and the German Schutzenschnur. I was honorably discharged in 2003. After short stints in corporate America and military contracting for employment, I joined CIA in 2006. Beyond my time in Washington, D.C. I served in Central Asia, Africa, and Europe where I was involved in HUMINT operations in counterproliferation and counterintelligence. I retired from CIA in September 2024 and settled in Hudson, Florida."

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Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

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I believe healthcare is not only a right, it is a matter of national security. Because of this, I would fight to implement Medicare For All and to fully fund and staff the Department of Veterans Affairs.

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I believe our country should lay the groundwork to make long-term financial stability possible. I would fight for strong unions, a living wage, affordable housing, and the strengthening of Social Security.

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Public schools are where America's children are able to first experience the tenets of democracy. Therefore, I believe in a fully funded public education system along with an increase in salary and autonomy for teachers.

Voting information

See also: Voting in Florida

Ballotpedia will publish the dates and deadlines related to this election as they are made available.

Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.

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.

Expand all | Collapse all

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Christopher Irizarry (D)

I believe healthcare is not only a right, it is a matter of national security. Because of this, I would fight to implement Medicare For All and to fully fund and staff the Department of Veterans Affairs.

I believe our country should lay the groundwork to make long-term financial stability possible. I would fight for strong unions, a living wage, affordable housing, and the strengthening of Social Security.

Public schools are where America's children are able to first experience the tenets of democracy. Therefore, I believe in a fully funded public education system along with an increase in salary and autonomy for teachers.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Christopher Irizarry (D)

I would welcome greater strides in overturning Citizens United and the development of a national Artificial Intelligence policy.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Christopher Irizarry (D)

When it comes to encapsulating the inherent level of influence the United States commands on the global stage, I can't think of a better analogy than the one used by Gen. Anthony Zinni in his book "Battle For Peace".

His analogy likens the world to a room filled with people, each representing one nation on Earth. The room itself has just enough room for all the 'people' to stand and move about and exist without causing too much ruckus for more than one or two people at a time. When it comes to the United States, however, it's not a person standing there -- it's a fully grown, silverback gorilla. If the gorilla shifts his weight while sitting, stirs while sleeping, or scratches his upper arm, a ripple effect through the crowd of 'people' is inevitable -- no matter how hard the gorilla tries not to disturb those around him. The United States came into existence as a gorilla in a room full of people. It can't choose to not be the gorilla any more than the gorilla can. Being the gorilla comes with unintended consequences for just existing.

That summarizes why I believe the United States has to embrace it's role on the global stage -- it really doesn't have a choice and it's something Americans need to be aware of in order to appreciate.

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

Christopher Irizarry (D)

They should have credibility and a sense of duty to the Constitution and their constituents.

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

Christopher Irizarry (D)

I have 24 years of experience working in Federal organizations. I have worked with different officials with different priorities and views and always focused on accomplishing our goals.

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

Christopher Irizarry (D)

To operate as a co-equal branch of government.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Christopher Irizarry (D)

I would like to leave not only an impactful legacy with legislation, but also a legacy that I had a measure of success in building the bench of up-and-coming legislatures.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Christopher Irizarry (D)

I worked at a yogurt store near school. I believe I had that job throughout my senior high school year.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Christopher Irizarry (D)

Mother Night by Kurt Vonnegut. It's a work unlike anything I can remember Vonnegut writing, and how it takes the reader through the moral dilemmas one faces when conducting espionage.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Christopher Irizarry (D)

Well, I was a huge fan of Spiderman as a kid. Today, I think that's still my choice because of Uncle Ben's advice to Peter: 'With great power comes great responsibility.'

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

Christopher Irizarry (D)

Absolutely.

What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Christopher Irizarry (D)

Dealing with its damage reputation as a credible and serious world leader.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Christopher Irizarry (D)

I believe so. A two-year term requires a representative to stay in touch with their constituents if they wish to continue serving.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

Christopher Irizarry (D)

I would support implementation of term limits.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Christopher Irizarry (D)

To a point. One cannot expect to operate in government without being willing to compromise. However, one should not be willing to capitulate on promises this country made to our veterans or to those that paid into Social Security.

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

Christopher Irizarry (D)

Objectively and without delay.

What committees interest you?

Christopher Irizarry (D)

Because of my experience I would be most interested in the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. I would also be interested in serving on the Armed Services and Education and Workforce Committees.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Christopher Irizarry (D)

One of the first things I learned in the Army was this: Never mess with Uncle Sam's money. I am a staunch believer in holding those accountable who misuse, misdirect, or flat out steal American tax payer dollars. Full stop.

You can ask candidates in this race to fill out the survey by clicking their names below:

• Gus M. Bilirakis

Campaign finance

Name	Party	Receipts*	Disbursements**	Cash on hand	Date
Gus M. Bilirakis	Republican Party	$385,149	$212,566	$294,000	As of June 30, 2025
Christopher Irizarry	Democratic Party	$847	$517	$330	As of June 30, 2025
Source: Federal Elections Commission, "Campaign finance data," 2026. This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC). * According to the FEC, "Receipts are anything of value (money, goods, services or property) received by a political committee." ** According to the FEC, a disbursement "is a purchase, payment, distribution, loan, advance, deposit or gift of money or anything of value to influence a federal election," plus other kinds of payments not made to influence a federal election.

General election race ratings

See also: Race rating definitions and methods

Ballotpedia provides race ratings from four outlets: The Cook Political Report, Inside Elections, Sabato's Crystal Ball, and DDHQ/The Hill. Each race rating indicates if one party is perceived to have an advantage in the race and, if so, the degree of advantage:

• Safe and Solid ratings indicate that one party has a clear edge and the race is not competitive.
• Likely ratings indicate that one party has a clear edge, but an upset is possible.
• Lean ratings indicate that one party has a small edge, but the race is competitive.
• Toss-up ratings indicate that neither party has an advantage.

Race ratings are informed by a number of factors, including polling, candidate quality, and election result history in the race's district or state.

Race ratings: Florida's 12th Congressional District election, 2026
Race tracker	Race ratings
	9/23/2025	9/16/2025	9/9/2025	9/2/2025
The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter	Solid Republican	Solid Republican	Solid Republican	Solid Republican
Decision Desk HQ and The Hill	Pending	Pending	Pending	Pending
Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales	Solid Republican	Solid Republican	Solid Republican	Solid Republican
Larry J. Sabato's Crystal Ball	Safe Republican	Safe Republican	Safe Republican	Safe Republican
Note: Ballotpedia reviews external race ratings every week throughout the election season and posts weekly updates even if the media outlets have not revised their ratings during that week.

Ballot access

This section will contain information on ballot access related to this state's elections when it is available.

District history

The section below details election results for this office in elections dating back to 2020.

2024

See also: Florida's 12th Congressional District election, 2024

Florida's 12th Congressional District election, 2024 (August 20 Democratic primary)

Florida's 12th Congressional District election, 2024 (August 20 Republican primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House Florida District 12

Incumbent Gus M. Bilirakis defeated Rock Aboujaoude Jr. in the general election for U.S. House Florida District 12 on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Gus M. Bilirakis (R)	71.0	306,487
		Rock Aboujaoude Jr. (D)	29.0	124,949

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 431,436
= 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

The Democratic primary election was canceled. Rock Aboujaoude Jr. advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Florida District 12.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Florida District 12

Incumbent Gus M. Bilirakis defeated Harry Dunlap in the Republican primary for U.S. House Florida District 12 on August 20, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Gus M. Bilirakis	84.3	59,946
		Harry Dunlap	15.7	11,182

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 71,128
= 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

• Jack Martin (R)

2022

See also: Florida's 12th Congressional District election, 2022

General election

General election for U.S. House Florida District 12

Incumbent Gus M. Bilirakis defeated Kimberly Walker and Charles Smith in the general election for U.S. House Florida District 12 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Gus M. Bilirakis (R)	70.4	226,601
		Kimberly Walker (D)	29.6	95,390
	Submit photo	Charles Smith (No Party Affiliation) (Write-in)	0.0	4

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 321,995
= 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

The Democratic primary election was canceled. Kimberly Walker advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Florida District 12.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Florida District 12

Incumbent Gus M. Bilirakis defeated Jack Martin, Chris Leiser, Brian Perras, and Sid Preskitt in the Republican primary for U.S. House Florida District 12 on August 23, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Gus M. Bilirakis	79.7	67,189
		Jack Martin	9.2	7,790
		Chris Leiser	4.7	4,000
		Brian Perras	3.8	3,217
		Sid Preskitt	2.5	2,142

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 84,338
= 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

• Michael Carnevale (R)

2020

See also: Florida's 12th Congressional District election, 2020

General election

General election for U.S. House Florida District 12

Incumbent Gus M. Bilirakis defeated Kimberly Walker in the general election for U.S. House Florida District 12 on November 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Gus M. Bilirakis (R)	62.9	284,941
		Kimberly Walker (D)	37.1	168,194

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 453,135
= 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

• Michael Steven Knezevich (Unaffiliated)

Democratic primary election

The Democratic primary election was canceled. Kimberly Walker advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Florida District 12.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Courtney Rettew (D)

Republican primary election

The Republican primary election was canceled. Incumbent Gus M. Bilirakis advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House Florida District 12.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Zachary Smith (R)

District analysis

This section will contain facts and figures related to this district's elections when those are available.

See also

Florida	2026 primaries	2026 U.S. Congress elections
Florida congressional delegation Voting in Florida Florida elections: 2026 • 2025 • 2024 • 2023 • 2022 • 2021 • 2020 • 2019 • 2018	Democratic primary battlegrounds Republican primary battlegrounds U.S. Senate Democratic primaries U.S. Senate Republican primaries U.S. House Democratic primaries U.S. House Republican primaries	U.S. Congress elections U.S. Senate elections U.S. House elections Special elections Ballot access

External links

• Search Google News for this topic

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)

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