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Florida's 17th Congressional District election, 2026

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2024
Florida's 17th Congressional District
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General election
Election details
Filing deadline: April 24, 2026
Primary: Pending
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
Florida's 17th Congressional District
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Florida elections, 2026
U.S. Congress elections, 2026
U.S. Senate elections, 2026
U.S. House elections, 2026

All U.S. House districts, including the 17th 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 17

Incumbent Greg Steube and Allen Spence are running in the general election for U.S. House Florida District 17 on November 3, 2026.


Candidate Connection = candidate completed 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.

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WebsiteFacebook

Party: Democratic Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography "I'm Allen Spence, a candidate for the U.S. House in Florida’s 17th Congressional District. I’m running to bring a practical, pro-growth approach to Washington. Too many families are feeling the pinch, at the grocery store, in housing and insurance. I’ve seen this struggle firsthand with my own parents, who are on a fixed income. I believe government should make your life easier, not more expensive. My opponent is focused on political feuds; I am focused on fiscal solutions. As a finance and operations professional, I'm a problem-solver who believes in transparency and accountability. That’s the mindset I’ll bring to Congress. My top priorities are: Lowering costs. I will fight to end tariff taxes that raise prices on everyday goods and hurt small businesses. Reforming Social Security & Medicare. I have a plan to reform Social Security and Medicare so that current benefits are protected and the long term program is solvent. Supporting our local economy. I will champion tourism, cut red tape for entrepreneurs, and invest in workforce development. Bipartisan collaboration. I'm committed to working with pragmatic Democrats and Republicans to deliver fiscally responsible solutions. I will be accessible to every voter Democrat, Republican, and NPA alike. We deserve a representative who is serious about lowering costs, protecting retirements, and growing the economy, not someone who treats politics like a shouting match. I would be honored to earn your vote."


Key Messages

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


Tariffs are not just a trade policy; they are a tax on families and businesses. They raise the cost of everything from groceries to car parts, hurting our district’s retirees and small businesses. The U.S. Constitution gives Congress, not the president, the power to lay and collect tariffs. It's time for Congress to reclaim its constitutional authority and put a stop to these hidden taxes that harm our economy. I'll work with anyone, regardless of party, to end these counterproductive tariffs and promote fair trade that benefits the people of Florida.


My opponent, Greg Steube, supports a political agenda that is directly hurting our local economy. The rhetoric against other Western nations and Trump's tariffs are not a show of strength; they are a tax on our people and an attack on our tourism industry. Our district relies on visitors, and when international relations sour, those tourists choose to go elsewhere. This means fewer jobs, less revenue for our small businesses, and a strain on the very industry that fuels the Suncoast. We need a representative focused on prosperity, not punishment, and on building bridges, not walls.


Every person in our country, regardless of their background, is protected by the Bill of Rights. The Fourth Amendment's promise against unreasonable searches and seizures is a cornerstone of American liberty. Federal agents, including ICE, must be held to this standard. They cannot enter a home without a proper judicial warrant, and they cannot conduct broad, warrantless searches. We must defend these constitutional principles to protect everyone's privacy and security. I will fight to ensure federal agencies respect the rights of all people and are held accountable to the law.

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.

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Tariffs are not just a trade policy; they are a tax on families and businesses. They raise the cost of everything from groceries to car parts, hurting our district’s retirees and small businesses. The U.S. Constitution gives Congress, not the president, the power to lay and collect tariffs. It's time for Congress to reclaim its constitutional authority and put a stop to these hidden taxes that harm our economy. I'll work with anyone, regardless of party, to end these counterproductive tariffs and promote fair trade that benefits the people of Florida.

My opponent, Greg Steube, supports a political agenda that is directly hurting our local economy. The rhetoric against other Western nations and Trump's tariffs are not a show of strength; they are a tax on our people and an attack on our tourism industry. Our district relies on visitors, and when international relations sour, those tourists choose to go elsewhere. This means fewer jobs, less revenue for our small businesses, and a strain on the very industry that fuels the Suncoast. We need a representative focused on prosperity, not punishment, and on building bridges, not walls.

Every person in our country, regardless of their background, is protected by the Bill of Rights. The Fourth Amendment's promise against unreasonable searches and seizures is a cornerstone of American liberty. Federal agents, including ICE, must be held to this standard. They cannot enter a home without a proper judicial warrant, and they cannot conduct broad, warrantless searches. We must defend these constitutional principles to protect everyone's privacy and security. I will fight to ensure federal agencies respect the rights of all people and are held accountable to the law.
I am passionate about public policies that directly improve the lives of the people in our district. My main priority is economic prosperity. That means ending the tariff taxes that act as a hidden burden on consumers and small businesses. It means protecting and strengthening Social Security and Medicare, which our retirees have paid into their entire lives. And it means investing in our community's infrastructure and tourism to create jobs and opportunities. My focus is on tangible, bipartisan solutions that put our families and local economy first. I also commit to having townhalls when Congress is out of session multiple times a year.
I look up to Winston Churchill for his resilience and leadership. While he is most famous for leading the United Kingdom during its "finest hour" in World War II, I find his entire career to be a powerful example of perseverance.

Churchill experienced significant setbacks and was often on the political fringe. His role in the disastrous Gallipoli Campaign during World War I led to a period of public and political disgrace. Yet, he never gave up. He dedicated his time out of power to study history and military strategy, preparing for a future he knew would be challenging.

When the moment of crisis arrived, his nation turned to him. His strength of conviction, his refusal to surrender, and his ability to rally a nation in its darkest hour are the marks of a truly great leader. He teaches us that failure is not the end of the road. Instead, it can be the proving ground for the leadership that is needed most when it matters. His example shows that a leader can overcome past mistakes and stand strong in the face of immense adversity.
The most important principles for an elected official are integrity, accountability, and a commitment to service. An effective leader must be honest and ethical, placing the public interest above personal or partisan gain. This builds the public trust essential for a functioning democracy.

Accountability means taking responsibility for one’s actions and decisions, and being transparent with constituents. Elected officials must be accessible, responsive to the needs of the community, and willing to explain their votes and policies. This includes listening to and representing all voters not just those who supported them.

Finally, a commitment to public service requires a willingness to work collaboratively. An elected official should be a problem-solver who can set aside personal or political differences to build coalitions and find common ground. This pragmatic approach leads to lasting solutions that benefit everyone.
The core responsibilities for a US House Representative are centered around representation, legislation, and constituent service.

Representation

A representative's primary role is to serve as the voice of their district in Congress. This means understanding the unique needs, values, and concerns of the people they represent from local small businesses to retirees and working families. This requires being accessible, holding regular town halls, and engaging with diverse community groups to ensure their perspectives are heard in Washington. It also means advocating for the district's interests in federal funding, policy debates, and national discussions. Legislation

The most fundamental duty of a member of Congress is to make laws. This involves introducing and voting on bills, proposing amendments, and working on committees that shape policy. A representative must be knowledgeable on a wide range of issues, from economic policy and healthcare to environmental protection and infrastructure. They should work to build bipartisan coalitions to pass commonsense legislation that directly benefits their constituents, while also holding the federal government accountable.

Constituent Service

My district office will be the front door to the federal government for the Suncoast. We’ll troubleshoot Social Security, Medicare, VA, passports, and immigration issues, cut through agency red tape, and stay on each case until there’s an answer. The goal is simple make Washington work for people here at home promptly, respectfully, and transparently so that dealing with federal agencies improves daily life rather than adding to the burden.
I want to leave a legacy of principled courage and clear-eyed leadership. History teaches us that an elected official's most important duty is to speak the truth, especially when it is difficult or unpopular. It is easy to go along with the crowd, but it is essential to be on the record when things go wrong or when our core democratic principles are threatened.

My goal is to be a voice for integrity and common sense, even if it puts me at odds with my own party or with powerful special interests. I believe a representative must have the moral conviction to stand up for the Constitution, for the rule of law, and for the economic well-being of their constituents.

I hope my legacy is one of bravery and conviction, where I can say that I always acted in the best interest of the people of our district and our country. I want my constituents to know that I never hesitated to call out policies that harmed our families or rhetoric that divided our communities. That is the kind of leadership I will bring to Congress.
I would choose to be Uhtred of Bebbanburg, the protagonist of Bernard Cornwell’s historical novels and the "Last Kingdom" television series. He is a warrior and a leader who embodies a mix of loyalty, cunning, and an unwavering commitment to his own identity.

Uhtred is a Saxon raised by Danes, a man caught between two worlds. This unique position gives him a broad perspective and allows him to see beyond the narrow prejudices of a single group. His ability to navigate complex political and cultural landscapes, all while staying true to his own sense of honor, is what I find most compelling.

His character embodies several key principles: Pragmatism Uhtred is a skilled tactician who understands that victory requires adaptability, not just brute force. He is a master of guerrilla warfare and uses his enemies' overconfidence against them. Resilience He faces immense betrayal, loss, and hardship but never gives up on his goal of reclaiming his birthright. Loyalty Though he often clashes with his allies, his loyalty to those he serves, especially King Alfred, is unwavering, even when his personal code is tested.

Uhtred’s journey teaches us that being an effective leader often means standing between two opposing forces and forging your own path. He is a testament to the idea that one's true strength comes from integrity and a refusal to be defined by others' expectations.
No. Prior government experience can be useful, but it’s not a prerequisite for effective representation. What matters most is judgment, integrity, and a track record of solving real problems not time spent in the political game.

I come from finance and operations, where results are measurable and accountability is non-negotiable. I’ve managed teams, balanced budgets, navigated complex regulations, and delivered under pressure. That practical experience is exactly what Congress needs people who understand how policies play out for retirees, workers, small businesses, and local communities.

Fresh eyes are a strength. Career politics can reward caution and special-interest thinking; I’ll bring a builder’s mindset define the problem, gather facts, listen to constituents, and then act. I’ll hire seasoned staff to ensure the district office provides best-in-class constituent service, and I’ll hold regular town halls so every voter has a voice.

Experience in politics isn’t the measure of effectiveness. Character, competence, and accountability are. That’s what I’ll bring to Congress.
Compromise is not just desirable; it's essential for effective policy making. Our system of government, with its checks and balances, was designed to require it. No single party or group holds all the power, meaning that to get anything done, we must find common ground.

Compromise forces us to listen to different perspectives and build solutions that are more durable and widely supported. When policies are created with input from multiple viewpoints, they are more likely to serve the broader public interest rather than just a narrow, partisan agenda. It’s how we move beyond gridlock and deliver real results for the American people.

An all-or-nothing approach to policy leads to stagnation and frustration. It's the reason why critical issues like Social Security reform and infrastructure investment go unaddressed. I believe in a pragmatic approach finding partners who are willing to work on fiscally responsible solutions, even if we don't agree on every single point. It's about progress over perfection. The choice isn't between pure ideological victory and failure it's between a partial win for everyone and a complete loss for all.


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Campaign finance

Name Party Receipts* Disbursements** Cash on hand Date
Greg Steube Republican Party $385,344 $241,537 $1,735,103 As of June 30, 2025
Allen Spence Democratic Party $0 $0 $0 Data not available***

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.
*** Candidate either did not report any receipts or disbursements to the FEC, or Ballotpedia did not find an FEC candidate ID.

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.[1]
  • 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.[2][3][4]

Race ratings: Florida's 17th Congressional District election, 2026
Race trackerRace ratings
9/2/20258/26/20258/19/20258/12/2025
The Cook Political Report with Amy WalterSolid RepublicanSolid RepublicanSolid RepublicanSolid Republican
Decision Desk HQ and The HillPendingPendingPendingPending
Inside Elections with Nathan L. GonzalesSolid RepublicanSolid RepublicanSolid RepublicanSolid Republican
Larry J. Sabato's Crystal BallSafe RepublicanSafe RepublicanSafe RepublicanSafe 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 17th Congressional District election, 2024

Florida's 17th Congressional District election, 2024 (August 20 Republican primary)

Florida's 17th Congressional District election, 2024 (August 20 Democratic primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House Florida District 17

Incumbent Greg Steube defeated Manny Lopez and Ralph E. Hartman in the general election for U.S. House Florida District 17 on November 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Greg Steube
Greg Steube (R)
 
63.9
 
291,347
Image of Manny Lopez
Manny Lopez (D) Candidate Connection
 
36.1
 
164,566
Image of Ralph E. Hartman
Ralph E. Hartman (No Party Affiliation) (Write-in)
 
0.0
 
8

Total votes: 455,921
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Florida District 17

Manny Lopez defeated Matthew Montavon in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Florida District 17 on August 20, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Manny Lopez
Manny Lopez Candidate Connection
 
52.9
 
25,017
Image of Matthew Montavon
Matthew Montavon Candidate Connection
 
47.1
 
22,244

Total votes: 47,261
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

Republican primary election

The Republican primary election was canceled. Incumbent Greg Steube advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House Florida District 17.

2022

See also: Florida's 17th Congressional District election, 2022

General election

General election for U.S. House Florida District 17

Incumbent Greg Steube defeated Andrea Doria Kale and Theodore Murray in the general election for U.S. House Florida District 17 on November 8, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Greg Steube
Greg Steube (R)
 
63.8
 
222,483
Image of Andrea Doria Kale
Andrea Doria Kale (D)
 
35.5
 
123,798
Image of Theodore Murray
Theodore Murray (No Party Affiliation)
 
0.6
 
2,225

Total votes: 348,506
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.

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Democratic primary election

The Democratic primary election was canceled. Andrea Doria Kale advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Florida District 17.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Republican primary election

The Republican primary election was canceled. Incumbent Greg Steube advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House Florida District 17.

2020

See also: Florida's 17th Congressional District election, 2020

General election

General election for U.S. House Florida District 17

Incumbent Greg Steube defeated Allen Ellison and Theodore Murray in the general election for U.S. House Florida District 17 on November 3, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Greg Steube
Greg Steube (R)
 
64.6
 
266,514
Image of Allen Ellison
Allen Ellison (D) Candidate Connection
 
34.1
 
140,487
Image of Theodore Murray
Theodore Murray (No Party Affiliation)
 
1.3
 
5,396

Total votes: 412,397
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.

Democratic primary election

The Democratic primary election was canceled. Allen Ellison advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Florida District 17.

Republican primary election

The Republican primary election was canceled. Incumbent Greg Steube advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House Florida District 17.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates



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
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External links

Footnotes

  1. Inside Elections also uses Tilt ratings to indicate an even smaller advantage and greater competitiveness.
  2. Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Nathan Gonzalez," April 19, 2018
  3. Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Kyle Kondik," April 19, 2018
  4. Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Charlie Cook," April 22, 2018


Senators
Representatives
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Neal Dunn (R)
District 3
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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
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District 17
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Republican Party (22)
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