Florida's 18th Congressional District election, 2016

2018 → ← 2014

Florida's 18th Congressional District

General Election Date November 8, 2016

Primary Date August 30, 2016

November 8 Election Winner: Brian Mast

Incumbent prior to election: Patrick Murphy

Race Ratings Cook Political Report: Lean R Sabato's Crystal Ball: Toss-up Rothenberg & Gonzales: Pure Toss-up

Florida U.S. House Elections District 1 • District 2 • District 3 • District 4 • District 5 • District 6 • District 7 • District 8 • District 9 • District 10 • District 11 • District 12 • District 13 • 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

2016 U.S. Senate Elections

2016 U.S. House Elections

The 18th Congressional District of Florida held an election for the U.S. House of Representatives on November 8, 2016.

Florida's 18th Congressional District was a battleground district in 2016. Incumbent Patrick Murphy (D) chose not to seek re-election in 2016 in order to pursue a U.S. Senate bid. Brian Mast (R) defeated Randy Perkins (D), Carla Spalding (I), and write-in candidate Marilyn Holloman in the general election on November 8, 2016. Perkins defeated Jonathan Chane and John Xuna in the Democratic primary, while Mast defeated Rebecca Negron, Carl Domino, Rick Kozell, Noelle Nikpour, and Mark Freeman to win the Republican nomination. The primary elections took place on August 30, 2016.

HIGHLIGHTS

Florida's 18th Congressional District seat was open following incumbent Patrick Murphy's U.S. Senate run.

This seat was one of three battlegrounds in Florida and one of the closest races in the country.

Heading into the election, Randy Perkins (D) had a significant lead over Brian Mast (R) in fundraising.

Candidate Filing Deadline	Primary Election	General Election
June 24, 2016	August 30, 2016	November 8, 2016

Primary: A primary election is an election in which registered voters select a candidate that they believe should be a political party's candidate for elected office to run in the general election. They are also used to choose convention delegates and party leaders. Primaries are state-level and local-level elections that take place prior to a general election. Florida utilizes a closed primary process, in which the selection of a party's candidates in an election is limited to registered party members.

For information about which offices are nominated via primary election, see this article.

Incumbent: Heading into the election the incumbent was Patrick Murphy (D), who was first elected in 2012. Murphy did not run for re-election in 2016. He instead sought election to Florida's U.S. Senate seat.

Florida's 18th Congressional District is located in eastern Florida and includes St. Lucie and Martin counties and a portion of Palm Beach County.

Note: The district description is up to date as of redistricting following the 2010 census. The description will be updated with the new boundaries once the census data is updated.

Election results

General election

U.S. House, Florida District 18 General Election, 2016

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	Brian Mast	53.6%	201,488
	Democratic	Randy Perkins	43.1%	161,918
	Independent	Carla Spalding	3.3%	12,503
	N/A	Write-in	0%	9
Total Votes				375,918
Source: Florida Division of Elections

Primary election

U.S. House, Florida District 18 Republican Primary, 2016

Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Brian Mast	38%	24,099
Rebecca Negron	25.6%	16,242
Mark Freeman	15.8%	10,000
Carl Domino	12.5%	7,942
Rick Kozell	6.8%	4,334
Noelle Nikpour	1.3%	835
Total Votes		63,452
Source: Florida Division of Elections

U.S. House, Florida District 18 Democratic Primary, 2016

Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Randy Perkins	60.4%	27,861
Jonathan Chane	32.3%	14,897
John Xuna	7.4%	3,394
Total Votes		46,152
Source: Florida Division of Elections

Candidates

General election candidates:

Randy Perkins
Brian Mast a
Carla Spalding
Marilyn Holloman (Write-in)

Primary candidates:

Democratic

Randy Perkins - Businessman a
Jonathan Chane - Attorney
John Xuna

Republican

Rebecca Negron
Carl Domino - Former state rep.
Brian Mast a
Rick Kozell
Noelle Nikpour
Mark Freeman

Third Party/Other

Carla Spalding (Independent)
Marilyn Holloman (Write-in)

Withdrew:
Tod Mowery (R) - St. Lucie County Commissioner
Melissa McKinlay (D) - Palm Beach County Commissioner
Rick Roth (R) - Farmer
Paul Spain (R)
Stephen Marks (R)
Michael Keavy (R)

Race background

Randy Perkins was one of the initial members of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's Red to Blue Program. The program "highlights top Democratic campaigns across the country, and offers them financial, communications, grassroots, and strategic support."

Rebecca Negron, Rick Kozell, Noelle Nikpour, Brian Mast and Carl Domino were members of the NRCC's Young Guns Program in 2016. The Young Guns program "supports and mentors challenger and open-seat candidates in races across the country."

Perkins' fundraising

On May 13, 2016, Democrat Randy Perkins told Politico that campaign fundraising was "disgusting and appalling" and that he would be exclusively self-funding going forward. Perkins also said that he would refund donations to anyone who asked for them back. Perkins said, "In order for me to keep raising money, I now have to go to people I don’t know. They don’t know who the hell I am. My own team says ‘Randy, you’ve got to keep raising money.’ Whether you’re running as a Democrat or a Republican, the expectation is you’ve got to raise, raise, raise, raise. It’s not something I’m willing to do. It’s disgusting and appalling." Perkins is independently wealthy and had already contributed $2 million to his campaign as of May 2016.

Comments on race

On April 21, 2016, candidate Mark Freeman made the following statement in response to a question about "racial unrest".

“

This is deep-seated. Obama has made a bold-faced effort to drive a wedge between the races. He paints a picture of envy to our black citizens and the envy drives hatred. And then he says to them: 'You've got it coming for free. These rich people owe you.' And on top of that, he gives them free stuff, too. And that just is anti-American and it complicates our relations between the races. And really we need to have compassion for these people. And we need to allow them the education they need so that they can have self-worth and dignity and become productive citizens.

”

In response, Democratic opponent Randy Perkins said that Freeman should "apologize and retract racist comments." Freeman was also criticized by 2014 Republican candidate and African-American Calvin Turnquest who said the following:

“

Dr. Freeman’s comments about Black Americans are offensive, misguided, not at all based in truth, and they reflect what I choose to attribute to his comfort of existing in a bubble of ignorance. Dr. Freeman asserted that, “We really need to have compassion for these people,” when referring to Blacks, but in context, his idea of compassion is merely a nicer word for pity. ... I came to this country to live the American Dream. I became a Republican, because as an objective observer, new to the ideas of both parties, I found the principles of the Republican Party to represent the same ideals of independence, entrepreneurialism, faith, and freedom of thought that I held dear. Unfortunately, the false, misguided comments, like Dr. Freeman’s, by a handful of candidates, are the very reason the majority of Blacks in America do not trust, and will not vote for Republicans.

”

Endorsements

Brian Mast

• U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.) - "Brian Mast has the mental toughness and leadership experience that we need more of in Congress…Brian understands the threats facing our nation because he dedicated his life to making sure American families are safe. Brian is a warrior who fought tirelessly to defend our brothers and sisters on the battlefield, and I am confident he will continue to defend our nation and our shared conservative values in Congress."

Melissa McKinlay

• State Sen. Joe Abruzzo - "Melissa and I share a common passion for helping people who need a hand up. Her common sense and compassionate approach to public service is exactly the kind of voice we need in Washington."

Rebecca Negron

• Rep. Thomas Rooney - "Congressional District 18 needs a conservative that holds its best interest at heart and has the passion to fight for the issues that matter most to Floridians. In addition to sharing core Republican values, she stands ready to address the increasing threats to our national security. Rebecca is also committed to strengthening and empowering our military, ensuring we have the tools necessary to secure and protect our nation. I am proud to lend Rebecca my support."

Randy Perkins

• Rep. Alcee Hastings - "I have only recently come to know Randy Perkins, but I believe he will be a fine addition to Florida’s Congressional delegation. As a businessman who will work across the aisle to get things done, he is the only candidate who can hold Representative Murphy’s seat for the Democratic Party. Randy understands Democratic values, because he has lived them. This is a man who left college to support his family, grew a business from nothing to something, and who now uses his success to give back to his community. I enthusiastically endorse Randy Perkins and look forward to helping him get elected."

Paul Spain

• Major General William M. Boice - "Having served in our Armed Forces for over 32 years I understand what it means to serve something greater than yourself. I understand the character one needs to willingly lay down their lives for their friends – the dedicated long hours of selfless service to accomplish difficult missions for the betterment of mankind. Paul Spain has precisely that character and leaves no doubt in my mind that any mission he is given on behalf of his constituents will be accomplished with dedication and honor. We need Paul Spain in our Congress now. We will be a better country for it."

Polls

Florida's 18th District - Randy Perkins vs. Brian Mast
Poll	Randy Perkins	Brian Mast	Margin of Error	Sample Size
McLaughlin & Associates October 2016	40%	47%	+/-4.9	400
Note: A "0%" finding means the candidate was not a part of the poll. The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org

Media

Randy Perkins

Support

"Hard Work" - Perkins' first TV ad, released June 2016

"Lagoon Disaster" - Perkins' second TV ad, released July 2016

"Action" - Perkins campaign ad, released July 2016

"Nailed it" - Perkins campaign ad, released July 2016

"Heir" - Perkins' first general election ad, released September 2016

"Bootstraps" - Perkins campaign ad, released September 2016

"More" - Perkins campaign ad, released September 2016

"There's More:" - Perkins campaign ad, released October 2016

"Big" - Perkins campaign ad, released October 2016

Opposition

"Accused of Grossly Overcharging" - Congressional Leadership Fund ad opposing Perkins

"Hell" - NRCC ad opposing Perkins, released October 2016

"Kids" - NRCC ad opposing Perkins, released October 2016

"Randy Perkins: His idea of service is serving himself" - CLF ad opposing Perkins

Brian Mast

"National Security" - Mast's first ad, released July 2016

"Serving You Again" - Mast campaign ad, released September 2016

"Service Over Self" - NRCC ad supporting Mast, released September 2016

"Decide" - NRCC ad supporting Mast, released September 2016

"All Aboard Florida" - Mast campaign ad, released October 2016

Mark Freeman

"Safe Again" - Ad released April 2016

Jonathan Chane

"Endorsed" - Chane ad attacking Randy Perkins, released August 2016

Rebecca Negron

"Lesson" - Negron ad, released August 2016

Rick Kozell

"Prison" - Kozell ad, released July 2016

" Different" - Kozell ad, released August 2016

Campaign themes

Randy Perkins

“	Seniors: Randy Perkins will protect the promises we have made to our seniors and fight against anything that threatens Social Security and Medicare, period. Healthcare: Randy Perkins believes the passage of the Affordable Care Act was an important step forward in expanding access to medical care across the country. However, no law is perfect and we still have more work to do. Randy supports working to reform the Affordable Care Act so no one is left behind. Mental Health: Too many families in America must fight their insurance companies, medical providers, and employers to deal with the very real challenge of raising or supporting someone who has mental health challenges. Jobs: When Randy was young and starting his business, he was able to get small business loans and buy expensive equipment on credit. Banks and suppliers were able to take more risks to help small businesses like Randy’s grow. Today, his story is no longer possible for too many Americans. Veterans: Randy Perkins believes our Veterans, who have sacrificed so much for this country, deserve the absolute best care and access to economic opportunities. Unfortunately, our current Congress has not lived up to that responsibility.	”
—Randy Perkins' campaign website, http://www.randyperkinsforcongress.com/issues/

Brian Mast

“	Indian River Lagoon: Our non-negotiable regional priority must be keeping our waters pristine for our children. Achieving this involves every stakeholder playing their roles. Economy & Jobs: We must fight for working families by expanding opportunities and creating an economic environment that allows for job growth. The last seven years have been a disaster for the average American family. Repeal & Replace Obamacare: I support repealing and defunding Obamacare. Health care in America would be best improved by allowing small businesses and voluntary associations to join together to get the same insurance discounts as large corporations. We need to expand the use of Health Savings Accounts, allow for insurance purchases across state lines, and give individuals tax deductions or credits so they can buy insurance that fits their needs rather than insurance coverage dictated by the federal government. Israel: As a strong supporter of the state of Israel, I will work to repair the strained U.S. – Israel Relationship I believe our ally has a right to self-determination and self- defense. It was a great honor to serve alongside the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) and as a Congressman I will continue to stand up for Israel. Reform Veterans Affairs (VA): Every Veteran who the VA serves must be treated as the most important veteran to ever be served. Anything less is unacceptable.	”
—Brian Mast's campaign website, http://www.mastforcongress.com/#!issues/hm7zs

Campaign contributions

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Source: This graphic was generated using data from the FEC.

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Source: This graphic was generated using data from the FEC.

Randy Perkins

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Source: This graphic was generated using data from the FEC.

Brian Mast

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Source: This graphic was generated using data from the FEC.

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The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may not represent 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, and 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.

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District history

2014

See also: Florida's 18th Congressional District elections, 2014

Florida's 18th Congressional District was a battleground district in 2014 due to the fact that the race had a very low margin of victory in the last election. Incumbent Patrick Murphy faced no challenger in the Democratic primary. In the Republican primary, Carl Domino triumphed over Calvin Turnquest, Alan Schlesinger, Beverly Joy Hires, Nick Robert Wukoson and Brian Lara. Murphy then defeated Domino in the general election on November 4, 2014.

U.S. House, Florida District 18 General Election, 2014

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Patrick Murphy Incumbent	59.8%	151,478
	Republican	Carl Domino	40.2%	101,896
Total Votes				253,374
Source: Florida Division of Elections

2012

See also: Florida's 18th Congressional District elections, 2012

The 18th District of Florida held an election for the U.S. House of Representatives on November 6, 2012.

U.S. House, Florida District 18 General Election, 2012

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Patrick Murphy	50.3%	166,257
	Republican	Allen West Incumbent	49.7%	164,353
	Write-In	Marilyn Davis Holloman	0%	55
Total Votes				330,665
Source: Florida Secretary of State "Official Election Results, 2012 General Election"

Important dates and deadlines

See also: Florida elections, 2016

The calendar below lists important dates for political candidates in Florida in 2016.

Dates and requirements for candidates in 2016
Deadline	Event type	Event description
January 11, 2016	Campaign finance	Campaign finance report due
February 10, 2016	Campaign finance	Campaign finance report due
March 10, 2016	Campaign finance	Campaign finance report due
March 15, 2016	Election date	Presidential primary election
April 4, 2016	Ballot access	Deadline for judicial, state attorney and public defender candidates qualifying by petition to submit completed petitions to supervisors of elections
April 11, 2016	Campaign finance	Campaign finance report due
May 2, 2016	Ballot access	Qualifying period for judicial, state attorney and public defender candidates begins
May 6, 2016	Ballot access	Qualifying period for judicial, state attorney and public defender candidates ends
May 10, 2016	Campaign finance	Campaign finance report due
May 23, 2016	Ballot access	Deadline for federal, state representative, state senate, county office and special district candidates qualifying by petition to submit completed petitions to supervisors of elections
June 10, 2016	Campaign finance	Campaign finance report due
June 20, 2016	Ballot access	Qualifying period for federal, state representative, state senate, county office and special district candidates begins
June 24, 2016	Ballot access	Qualifying period for federal, state representative, state senate, county office and special district candidates ends
July 1, 2016	Campaign finance	Campaign finance report due
July 15, 2016	Campaign finance	Campaign finance report due
July 29, 2016	Campaign finance	Campaign finance report due
August 4, 2016	Campaign finance	Termination report due, if applicable
August 5, 2016	Campaign finance	Campaign finance report due
August 12, 2016	Campaign finance	Campaign finance report due
August 19, 2016	Campaign finance	Campaign finance report due
August 26, 2016	Campaign finance	Campaign finance report due
August 30, 2016	Election date	Primary election
September 9, 2016	Campaign finance	Campaign finance report due
September 22, 2016	Campaign finance	Termination report due, if applicable
September 23, 2016	Campaign finance	Campaign finance report due
October 7, 2016	Campaign finance	Campaign finance report due
October 14, 2016	Campaign finance	Campaign finance report due
October 21, 2016	Campaign finance	Campaign finance report due
October 28, 2016	Campaign finance	Campaign finance report due
November 4, 2016	Campaign finance	Campaign finance report due
November 8, 2016	Election date	General election
November 28, 2016	Campaign finance	Termination report due, if applicable
February 6, 2017	Campaign finance	Termination report due, if applicable
Sources: Florida Division of Elections, "2015-2017 Election Dates Calendar," June 4, 2015 Florida Division of Elections, "Calendar of Reporting Dates for 2016 Candidates Registered with the Division of Elections," accessed January 11, 2016

See also

• United States House of Representatives elections in Florida, 2016
• United States House of Representatives elections, 2016

Footnotes

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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)