Florida's 17th Congressional District election, 2026
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| Florida's 17th Congressional District |
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| 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. |
| Race ratings |
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 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
General election
The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.
General election for U.S. House Florida District 17
Incumbent Greg Steube, Matthew Montavon, and Allen Spence are running in the general election for U.S. House Florida District 17 on November 3, 2026.
Candidate | ||
 | Greg Steube (R) | |
 | Matthew Montavon (D)  | |
 | Allen Spence (D) | |
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| = 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.
Party: Democratic Party
Incumbent: No
Political Office: None
Submitted Biography: "I am running for the US Congress because • I believe in Democracy, • I believe that people can still have a voice in their future, • I believe we need to make choices that will provide for an economy for all, for universal health care, for immigration justice, for combating climate change and protecting the environment, and for a women’s right to choose. My background is public service, from the Peace Corps, to working six years with local governments and national associations, to working 27 years with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization combating hunger and poverty around the world. I am a compassionate individual, and throughout my life I have looked for opportunities to contribute to the community. I have volunteered for food pantries, Boy Scouts, Habitat for Humanity, hurricane relief and in many other roles. What I will bring to Congress is • a sense of compassion for people and the recognition that sometimes people need a hand up, not a hand down. • An ethical standing that recognized that I am there as a servant of the people, and not to promote my own interests or wealth. • Diplomatic and political skills to work with anyone to find solutions to our district’s and our nation’s problems. • Having an understanding of how government works through my years of working in government. • A world perspective that understands our value, our place and our contribution to the world"
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."
Voting information
- See also: Voting in Florida
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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Matthew Montavon (D)
I will work to end the abuse of executive power, establishing legislation to ensure the independence of the U.S. Department of Justice from political interference and protect Inspectors General, Assistant Attorneys General, and federal regulatory board members from unlawful dismissals.
I will work to strengthen independent oversight of the federal government by establishing ethics standards and implement stronger rules against federal officials profiting from their official actions.
I will work to expand affordable housing through federal support for the construction of affordable housing units, incentivize local development, and strengthen programs for renter support to ensure everyone affords a place to live.
I will also work to lower the cost of living for working families through the control of inflation addressing the rising cost of groceries, utilities, and everyday essentials through sound economic policies.
I will work to make healthcare affordable and accessible by protecting the Affordable Care Act, Medicare, and Medicaid in the short-term while pushing for universal healthcare in the long term. This will ensure that no American is forced to choose between medical care and financial stability.
I will work to reform immigration enforcement including advocating for the elimination of ICE in its current form and bring US immigration enforcement into line with international human rights standards. Detention should only be used under strict, limited conditions and as a measure of last resort.
I will insist on legislation that bars all law enforcement agents from wearing masks or otherwise concealing their identities while on duty. I will also push actions to enforce standards of conduct to hold those agents accountable for any abuses.
Allen Spence (D)
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.
Matthew Montavon (D)
Allen Spence (D)
Allen Spence (D)
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.
Matthew Montavon (D)
Allen Spence (D)
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.
Matthew Montavon (D)
Allen Spence (D)
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.
Allen Spence (D)
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.
Matthew Montavon (D)
Allen Spence (D)
Matthew Montavon (D)
Allen Spence (D)
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.
Matthew Montavon (D)
Matthew Montavon (D)
Allen Spence (D)
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.
Matthew Montavon (D)
Matthew Montavon (D)
Matthew Montavon (D)
Matthew Montavon (D)
Allen Spence (D)
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.
You can ask candidates in this race to fill out the survey by clicking their names below:
Campaign finance
| Name | Party | Receipts* | Disbursements** | Cash on hand | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greg Steube | Republican Party | $606,920 | $310,401 | $1,887,815 | As of September 30, 2025 |
| Matthew Montavon | Democratic Party | $0 | $0 | $0 | Data not available*** |
| Allen Spence | Democratic Party | $3,353 | $2,526 | $927 | As of September 30, 2025 |
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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." |
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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 | |||||||||
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| Race tracker | Race ratings | ||||||||
| 12/9/2025 | 12/2/2025 | 11/25/2025 | 11/18/2025 | ||||||
| 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
The table below details filing requirements for U.S. House candidates in Florida in the 2026 election cycle. For additional information on candidate ballot access requirements in Florida, click here.
| Filing requirements for U.S. House candidates, 2026 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| State | Office | Party | Signatures required | Filing fee | Filing deadline | Source |
| Florida | U.S. House | Ballot-qualified party | 1% of the registered voters in the geographical area of candidacy | $10,440 | 4/24/2026 | Source |
| Florida | U.S. House | Unaffiliated | 1% of the registered voters in the geographical area of candidacy | $6,960 | 4/24/2026 | Source |
District history
The section below details election results for this office in elections dating back to 2020.
2024
2022
2020
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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Voting in Florida Florida elections: 2026 • 2025 • 2024 • 2023 • 2022 • 2021 • 2020 • 2019 • 2018 |
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. Senate elections U.S. House elections Special elections Ballot access |
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Inside Elections also uses Tilt ratings to indicate an even smaller advantage and greater competitiveness.
- ↑ Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Nathan Gonzalez," April 19, 2018
- ↑ Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Kyle Kondik," April 19, 2018
- ↑ Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Charlie Cook," April 22, 2018
