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Florida's 5th Congressional District election, 2026
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| Florida's 5th 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 5th 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 5
The following candidates are running in the general election for U.S. House Florida District 5 on November 3, 2026.
Candidate | ||
 | John Rutherford (R) | |
 | Rachel Grage (D) | |
 | Mark Heggestad (D)  | |
| Eli Johnson (D) | ||
| Mark Kaye (R) | ||
| Donald Muirheid (R) | ||
| ||||
| = 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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Wyatt Clark (D)
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’m a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) with a career built on solving complex problems and delivering results. I live on Jacksonville’s Southside with my wife (Darlene) and step daughter (Brianna), and I’m an active member of our local church. My grown son (Matthew) lives in Minnesota. I grew up in a small town where hard work and integrity were daily expectations—values that still guide me. Over the years, I’ve led initiatives across healthcare, government, finance, and other industries—bringing teams together, managing risk, and improving systems that serve real people. My academic background includes a double major in Management Information Systems and Business Management, which has equipped me with the analytical and organizational skills to solve complex problems and drive meaningful change. Whether it’s genetic research or coordinating technology for public agencies, I’ve seen how good governance and smart planning can change lives. Outside of work, I’ve officiated football for over four decades, making fair calls under pressure and earning trust on the field. That same commitment to fairness and accountability drives my approach to public service. I’m running for Congress to bring practical leadership to FL-5. I believe in listening deeply, acting with empathy, and building systems that work for everyone. My goal is to protect democracy, lower the temperature, and create opportunities for all our neighbors.""
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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Mark Heggestad (D)
Lowering the temperature—because we need more listening and less shouting.
Protecting democracy—because every voice deserves to be heard and every vote to count.
Mark Heggestad (D)
Mark Heggestad (D)
President Obama exemplifies what it means to lead with grace under pressure. He’s a great leader, but also a great human being. He did his very best in the face of enormous challenges, and it showed. His ability to listen, unite, and inspire continues to shape how I think about public service. Taylor Swift may seem like an unexpected choice, but I admire her deeply—not just for her music and talent, but for how she’s lived the American dream. She took the opportunities this country gave her and used them to build something powerful, creative, and generous. Her work ethic, reinvention, and advocacy are a masterclass in resilience and purpose. Amanda Gorman represents the future. Her words are powerful, her presence is genuine, and her potential is limitless. I believe she may be president one day—and even if she’s not, she’ll be a leader in whatever space she chooses.
Each of them reminds me that leadership isn’t about ego—it’s about vision, voice, and using your platform to lift others up.
Mark Heggestad (D)
Curiosity is also essential. The best legislators aren’t just policy experts, they’re lifelong learners who ask good questions, seek diverse perspectives, and adapt when new information emerges. That’s how we build better laws and stronger communities. Courage matters too—not just the courage to stand firm, but the courage to compromise when it serves the greater good. In a divided political climate, we need leaders who can disagree without being disagreeable, and who prioritize solutions over soundbites.
Finally, elected officials must be present. Not just in Washington, but in their districts, town halls, community events, and kitchen tables. Representation starts with relationships. If you’re not listening, you’re not leading.
Mark Heggestad (D)
It’s not just about passing bills—it’s about making sure those bills work. They must be legally sound, implementable, and designed to make Americans better off. That requires collaboration, oversight, and a commitment to results—not rhetoric. Accountability is also essential. Members of Congress must hold themselves, each other, and other branches of government accountable. We are stewards of public trust, and our actions should reflect the values of transparency, integrity, and respect for the rule of law.
Finally, we represent America to the world. How we conduct ourselves—how we debate, legislate, and lead—shows others what democracy looks like. I believe in showing up, doing the work, and leading with empathy and pragmatism. That’s how we restore faith in public service and build a future worthy of the people we serve.
Mark Heggestad (D)
As a provider, football official, and servant leader, I’ve spent my life trying to do right by others—whether it’s making a fair call on the field, solving problems in a project, or listening to a neighbor’s concern. I believe leadership isn’t about titles or attention; it’s about consistency, character, and care.
I want my legacy to reflect the values I live by: fairness, empathy, and stewardship. If my family, my community, and the people I’ve served can say I made their lives a little better, that I stood up when it mattered, and that I led with heart—that’s more than enough for me.
Mark Heggestad (D)
I remember the tension, the news coverage, and the way adults around me talked about trust, leadership, and accountability. Even at a young age, I sensed that public service carried weight—and that when leaders struggled, it affected everyone.
Those early memories helped shape my belief in transparency, integrity, and the importance of earning public trust. They’re part of why I value government accountability and why I believe in lowering the temperature in our politics. We’ve been through hard times before, and we’ve come through them by listening, learning, and leading with purpose.
Mark Heggestad (D)
My second job was working in my dad’s custom meat processing business. Another tough job, but one that gave me a deep appreciation for the people who keep our communities running—farmers, laborers, and small business owners. I saw firsthand how hard my dad worked, how much he cared, not just about his business, but for those that work for him.
Those early jobs shaped my belief in fairness and dignity for all workers. It’s why I support unions and policies that protect working families. I’ve never forgotten where I came from—or the people who taught me what real work looks like.
Mark Heggestad (D)
What I admire most is Lincoln’s humility and strategic empathy. He didn’t surround himself with yes-men—he chose competence over comfort. That’s the kind of leadership I believe in: pragmatic, inclusive, and focused on results. As a Project Manager and football official, I’ve learned that strong teams aren’t built on uniformity—they’re built on trust, accountability, and shared purpose. Team of Rivals reminds me that progress often comes from collaboration across differences, and that true leadership means listening deeply, adapting wisely, and staying anchored in principle.
In today’s political climate, we need more leaders who can unify rather than divide. That’s the spirit I hope to bring to Congress and to the people of FL-5.
Mark Heggestad (D)
Ted doesn’t pretend to know everything. He listens, learns, and lifts others up. That’s the kind of leadership we need more of, especially in politics. He reminds us that optimism isn’t naïve; it’s courageous. That kindness isn’t weakness; it’s strength. And that building trust is the first step toward building a team—or a better country.
Like Ted, I believe in believing. I believe in the people of FL-5, in the power of community, and in the idea that we can lower the temperature and still raise the standard. If elected, I’ll bring that same spirit of empathy, fairness, and quiet confidence to the House—because leadership isn’t about being the hero. It’s about helping others win.
Mark Heggestad (D)
As men, we’re called to be providers, protectors, and pillars of our families and communities. That’s a high bar—and I don’t always get it right. Balancing work, service, and family life is a daily challenge. I strive to be a good Christian, to love my neighbors, and to lead with humility and strength. But I’ve learned that growth isn’t about perfection, it’s about persistence.
Every day, I try to get a little better. Whether it’s showing more patience, listening more deeply, or stepping up when it’s hard, I believe in the power of steady progress. That mindset shapes how I lead, how I serve, and how I hope to represent the people of FL-5—with grace, grit, and a heart for others.
Mark Heggestad (D)
First, the House operates through committees, where much of the real work happens. Committees allow members to specialize, dig into complex issues, and shape legislation before it reaches the floor. This structure ensures that diverse expertise is brought to bear on the nation’s challenges. Second, the House thrives on debate. With 435 members, it is a forum for vigorous discussion, where ideas are tested, challenged, and refined. Debate is not just about disagreement—it’s about sharpening solutions and ensuring every voice has a chance to be heard. Third, the House embodies diversity. Its members come from every corner of the country, representing districts that are rural, urban, coastal, inland, wealthy, struggling, and everything in between. That diversity of background, perspective, and constituency makes the House a true reflection of America.
Finally, the House carries immense responsibility. From drafting laws to overseeing the executive branch, its members are entrusted with safeguarding democracy and ensuring government works for the people. It is a place where accountability and stewardship must always come first. The House must take a bigger responsibility to oversee the executive branch. That balance of power is what makes us great.
Mark Heggestad (D)
As a Project Manager, I’ve spent my career navigating complex systems, aligning stakeholders, and delivering results. That same skill set applies to legislating: reading and writing bills, understanding their downstream impact, and ensuring they’re rolled out effectively. It’s not just about ideas, it’s about execution. Serving in the House of Representatives is a sacred responsibility. Adapting to its norms, rules, and traditions will be one of the most meaningful projects of my life. I approach it with humility, curiosity, and a deep commitment to service.
While experience in politics can help, it’s no substitute for integrity, competence, and willingness to learn. I bring decades of leadership in healthcare, government, and community engagement—and I’m ready to build coalitions, protect democracy, and deliver for FL-5.
Mark Heggestad (D)
Second, we need to repair our brand as a nation. America has always been strongest when it leads by example—renewing friendships abroad and showing the world how democracy works at home. That means treating each other better here, too. Division weakens us; unity strengthens us. Third, misinformation and the rise of artificial intelligence present new challenges. Technology must be used responsibly, with safeguards that protect truth, privacy, and democracy. If we don’t get this right, the consequences will be profound. Finally, climate and energy will test us. We must find solutions that protect our environment while ensuring affordable, reliable energy for families and businesses.
In short, the next decade is about rediscovering our freedoms, rebuilding trust, and proving that America can adapt, endure, and lead.
Mark Heggestad (D)
That said, the challenge today is that campaign cycles are getting longer and longer. Too much time is spent fundraising and too little time is spent governing. If we could reduce the emphasis on fundraising and focus more on working for the people, the two-year term would be maximized for what it was intended—service, not survival. The two-year term is meant to keep Representatives grounded, not distracted. When we spend more time legislating, collaborating, and solving problems, the system works as designed. When we spend more time chasing dollars, it undermines trust.
In short, two years is the right length—but only if we remember that Congress is supposed to be the “People’s House,” not a perpetual campaign headquarters.
Mark Heggestad (D)
Term limits encourage fresh ideas, new energy, and a stronger connection to the communities back home. They remind us that public service is a duty, not a career path. Congress should be a place where leaders step up, serve with integrity, and then make room for the next generation.
And let’s be honest—Congress is not a retirement home. It should be a place of active problem-solving, where representatives bring their best years of energy, focus, and commitment to the job. Ten years feels like the right amount of time to make a difference without losing touch with the people who sent you there.
Mark Heggestad (D)
That resonates deeply with me. For over 40 years as a football official, I’ve had to make fair calls under pressure, stay measured in heated moments, and earn trust through consistency. As a senior project manager, I’ve learned how to bring people together, manage complexity, and deliver results. And as a servant leader, I strive to listen first, act with empathy, and put others before myself.
Like John Lewis, I believe leadership is about stewardship—not control. It’s about building bridges, protecting freedoms, and ensuring that public service reflects the hopes and needs of the people. If I can carry forward even a fraction of his integrity and courage, while applying the discipline and fairness I’ve lived in my own career, I will have served FL-5 well.
Mark Heggestad (D)
I think of the 28-year-old husband who wants to buy a home and start a family but finds it too expensive. His story reflects the challenges of affordability and opportunity that so many young families face. I think of the young woman I met at Jax Beach who had checked out of politics, frustrated and disillusioned. Her voice reminds me that we must rebuild trust and show people that government can work for them. I think of the wildlife photographer whose favorite place to shoot was in the Everglades—right where Alligator Alcatraz was built. His story is about protecting our environment and balancing progress with preservation. I think of the Republican who budgets for a new roof every 10 years, and the couple I met at Losco Park worried about the swing toward authoritarianism. Their stories remind me that freedom, fairness, and accountability are not partisan—they’re American.
These are just a few of the voices I hear when I’m out door knocking. Each one motivates me to keep going, to keep listening, and to keep fighting for a future where their concerns are addressed and their hopes are possible.
Mark Heggestad (D)
Compromise becomes positive when everyone gains something meaningful, even if no one gets everything they want. It becomes negative when the process leaves everyone feeling like they’ve lost. The goal should always be to find common ground that improves lives and strengthens trust in government. For example, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 required compromise across party lines. It wasn’t perfect, but it was a landmark step toward equality and justice. Another example is the bipartisan infrastructure law of 2021, where lawmakers from both sides came together to invest in roads, bridges, and broadband. Neither side got their full wish list, but the result was a bill that delivered real benefits to communities across America.
That’s the kind of policymaking I believe in—measured, collaborative, and focused on results. Compromise isn’t weakness; it’s how democracy works when leaders put people ahead of politics.
Mark Heggestad (D)
For me, this is a key issue for FL-5, for myself, and for all Americans. When the executive branch imposes tariffs or revenue measures without Congress, it undermines Article I and the balance of powers. Raising revenue is the responsibility of the people’s House, because it ensures accountability and transparency. If elected, I would make this power central to my priorities. That means: - Defending constitutional authority so revenue decisions remain in the hands of elected representatives. - Ensuring fairness in taxation so families and businesses aren’t burdened by unilateral executive actions. - Restoring trust in government by showing that Congress can fulfill its duty responsibly.
This isn’t about partisanship—it’s about stewardship. The House must reclaim its constitutional role, protect the voice of the people, and make sure revenue policy reflects both our freedoms and our future.
Mark Heggestad (D)
Relevant investigations include: - Watergate hearings (1970s): A legitimate use of investigative power to uncover abuse of executive authority. - Oversight of the financial crisis (2008): Probing Wall Street practices and regulatory failures to protect taxpayers. - Investigations into opioid manufacturers: Holding companies accountable for deceptive practices that fueled a national health crisis. By contrast, there have been investigations that leaned more toward political theater than substance: - Repeated Benghazi hearings (2012–2016): While initial oversight was warranted, many later hearings were criticized as partisan. - Certain recent inquiries: At times, these have been perceived as more about political positioning than uncovering new facts.
The difference is clear: when investigations are focused on truth, accountability, and protecting the public, they strengthen democracy. When they are used primarily for political spectacle, they erode trust.
If elected, I would support investigations that shine light on corruption, safeguard freedoms, and ensure government works for the people—not investigations designed to score points or settle scores.
Mark Heggestad (D)
He told me how he budgets for a new roof every 10 years because of insurance requirements, how he was just coming out of a chemo chair after hours of treatment, and how his granddaughter may struggle to ever afford a home. These weren’t abstract policy points—they were real challenges affecting his family and his future.
By the end of our conversation, he took my card back. I left smiling, wishing we could be more than neighbors—we could be friends. That moment reminded me that politics isn’t about party labels, it’s about listening, connecting, and finding common ground. His story motivates me every time I go out, because it shows the power of empathy and the importance of fighting for solutions that matter to real people
Mark Heggestad (D)
I walked beside people honoring moms, grandmas, daughters, sisters, and friends they had lost to breast cancer. I walked with survivors who showed incredible strength and resilience. As much as I was hurting, I was constantly reminded that my pain was nothing compared to the fight they had endured.
I’ll never forget the feeling of putting one foot in front of the other, knowing that there are people fighting battles far tougher than mine. That experience taught me perseverance, empathy, and perspective—and it continues to inspire me to serve others with the same determination.
Mark Heggestad (D)
The first priority must be responsible AI. That means models that are trained properly, certified, and held to standards of truthfulness and transparency. AI that is truthful will help everyone—whether it’s in healthcare, education, or public safety. But if it’s left unchecked, it can mislead, manipulate, or even harm. We’ve seen what happens when government oversight lags behind technology. Social media exploded without proper guardrails, and the consequences have been misinformation, polarization, and erosion of trust. We cannot afford to repeat that mistake with AI. Another key issue is energy use. AI requires enormous computing power, which consumes vast amounts of energy. Companies must not only pay for their usage but also be good stewards—supplying clean, renewable energy to power their systems. Innovation should not come at the expense of sustainability.
In short, the government’s role is to set standards, enforce accountability, and ensure AI serves the public good. Done right, AI can be a force for progress. Done wrong, it could deepen our challenges. We need leadership that sees both sides and acts with foresight.
Mark Heggestad (D)
First, we must address gerrymandering. Districts should reflect communities, not partisan advantage. I would take a deep look at the original intent behind how representative districts were defined and work to make them less partisan, while ensuring equal representation for every voter. Second, we should make it as easy as possible to vote. That means protecting and expanding early voting and mail-in voting, which give working families, seniors, and students more flexibility to participate. Third, I support making Election Day a national holiday. Voting should be a celebration of our democracy, not a logistical burden. A holiday would give Americans the time and space to engage fully in the process, and it would remind us that elections are not just about politics—they’re about our shared identity as citizens. Finally, election administration must be transparent and accountable. Clear rules, fair access, and equal treatment across states are essential to rebuilding trust.
In short, I would push for legislation that tackles gerrymandering, expands access, and elevates voting as a civic celebration. Because when more people participate, our democracy is stronger.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Rutherford | Republican Party | $314,838 | $155,338 | $337,170 | As of September 30, 2025 |
| Rachel Grage | Democratic Party | $0 | $0 | $0 | Data not available*** |
| Mark Heggestad | Democratic Party | $254 | $254 | $0 | As of September 30, 2025 |
| Eli Johnson | Democratic Party | $0 | $0 | $0 | Data not available*** |
| Antonio Merrick | Democratic Party | $0 | $0 | $0 | Data not available*** |
| Mark Kaye | Republican Party | $12,541 | $7,435 | $5,106 | As of September 30, 2025 |
| Donald Muirheid | Republican Party | $0 | $0 | $0 | Data not available*** |
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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 5th Congressional District election, 2026 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Race tracker | Race ratings | ||||||||
| 12/23/2025 | 12/16/2025 | 12/9/2025 | 12/2/2025 | ||||||
| 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
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.
General election
General election for U.S. House Florida District 5
Incumbent John Rutherford (R) defeated Jay McGovern (D) and Gary Koniz (No Party Affiliation) in the general election for U.S. House Florida District 5 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | John Rutherford (R) | 63.1 | 267,471 |
 | Jay McGovern (D) | 36.9 | 156,570 | |
 | Gary Koniz (No Party Affiliation) (Write-in) | 0.0 | 23 | |
| Total votes: 424,064 | |||
| = 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
The Democratic primary scheduled for August 20, 2024, was canceled. Jay McGovern (D) advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Florida District 5 without appearing on the ballot.
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
Republican primary
Republican primary for U.S. House Florida District 5
Incumbent John Rutherford (R) defeated Mara Macie (R) in the Republican primary for U.S. House Florida District 5 on August 20, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | John Rutherford | 67.1 | 48,628 |
 | Mara Macie | 32.9 | 23,792 | |
| Total votes: 72,420 | |||
| = 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
- Jim May (R)
General election
The general election scheduled for November 8, 2022, was canceled. Incumbent John Rutherford (R) won election in the general election for U.S. House Florida District 5 without appearing on the ballot.
Democratic primary
The Democratic primary scheduled for August 23, 2022, was canceled.
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Connell Crooms (D)
- Jonathan Marc (D)
Republican primary
Republican primary for U.S. House Florida District 5
Incumbent John Rutherford (R) defeated Mara Macie (R) and Leigha Garner-Lopez (R) in the Republican primary for U.S. House Florida District 5 on August 23, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | John Rutherford | 65.7 | 87,720 |
| | Mara Macie | 17.7 | 23,607 | |
 | Leigha Garner-Lopez | 16.7 | 22,283 | |
| Total votes: 133,610 | |||
| = 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
- Tom Lister (R)
General election
General election for U.S. House Florida District 5
Incumbent Alfred Lawson (D) defeated Gary Adler (R) in the general election for U.S. House Florida District 5 on November 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Alfred Lawson (D) | 65.1 | 219,463 |
 | Gary Adler (R) | 34.9 | 117,510 | |
| Total votes: 336,973 | |||
| = 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
Democratic primary for U.S. House Florida District 5
Incumbent Alfred Lawson (D) defeated Albert Chester (D) and LaShonda Holloway (D) in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Florida District 5 on August 18, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Alfred Lawson | 55.7 | 52,823 |
 | Albert Chester | 25.9 | 24,579 | |
 | LaShonda Holloway | 18.3 | 17,378 | |
| Total votes: 94,780 (100% 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. | ||||
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
Republican primary
Republican primary for U.S. House Florida District 5
Gary Adler (R) defeated Roger Wagoner (R) in the Republican primary for U.S. House Florida District 5 on August 18, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Gary Adler | 52.1 | 17,433 |
| Roger Wagoner | 47.9 | 16,012 | ||
| Total votes: 33,445 (100% 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. | ||||
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Matthew Lusk (R)
District analysis
Click the tabs below to view information about voter composition, past elections, and demographics in both the district and the state.
- District map - A map of the district in place for the election.
- Competitiveness - Information about the competitiveness of 2026 U.S. House elections in the state.
- Presidential elections - Information about presidential elections in the district and the state.
- State party control - The partisan makeup of the state's congressional delegation and state government.
Below is the district map in place for this election. Click the map below to enlarge it.
Partisan Voter Index
Heading into the 2026 elections, based on results from the 2024 and 2020 presidential elections, the Cook Partisan Voter Index for this district is R+10. This meant that in those two presidential elections, this district's results were 10 percentage points more Republican than the national average. This made Florida's 5th the 130th most Republican district nationally.[5]
2020 presidential election results
The table below shows what the vote in the 2024 presidential election was in this district. The presidential election data was compiled by The Downballot.
Kamala Harris  |
Donald Trump  |
|---|---|
| 39.0% | 60.0% |
Presidential voting history
- See also: Presidential election in Florida, 2024
Florida presidential election results (1900-2024)
- 17 Democratic wins
- 15 Republican wins
| Year | 1900 | 1904 | 1908 | 1912 | 1916 | 1920 | 1924 | 1928 | 1932 | 1936 | 1940 | 1944 | 1948 | 1952 | 1956 | 1960 | 1964 | 1968 | 1972 | 1976 | 1980 | 1984 | 1988 | 1992 | 1996 | 2000 | 2004 | 2008 | 2012 | 2016 | 2020 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winning Party | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | R | D | D | D | D | D | R | R | R | D | R | R | D | R | R | R | R | D | R | R | D | D | R | R | R |
Congressional delegation
The table below displays the partisan composition of Florida's congressional delegation as of October 2025.
| Congressional Partisan Breakdown from Florida | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Party | U.S. Senate | U.S. House | Total |
| Democratic | 0 | 8 | 8 |
| Republican | 2 | 20 | 22 |
| Independent | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vacancies | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 2 | 28 | 30 |
State executive
The table below displays the officeholders in Florida's top four state executive offices as of October 2025.
| Office | Officeholder |
|---|---|
| Governor | Ron DeSantis |
| Lieutenant Governor | Jay Collins |
| Secretary of State | Cord Byrd |
| Attorney General | James Uthmeier |
State legislature
Florida State Senate
| Party | As of October 2025 | |
|---|---|---|
| Democratic Party | 11 | |
| Republican Party | 26 | |
| Other | 1 | |
| Vacancies | 2 | |
| Total | 40 | |
Florida House of Representatives
| Party | As of October 2025 | |
|---|---|---|
| Democratic Party | 32 | |
| Republican Party | 86 | |
| Other | 0 | |
| Vacancies | 2 | |
| Total | 120 | |
Trifecta control
Florida Party Control: 1992-2025
One year of a Democratic trifecta • Twenty-six years of Republican trifectas
Scroll left and right on the table below to view more years.
| Year | 92 | 93 | 94 | 95 | 96 | 97 | 98 | 99 | 00 | 01 | 02 | 03 | 04 | 05 | 06 | 07 | 08 | 09 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Governor | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | I | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R |
| Senate | D | S | S | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R |
| House | D | D | D | D | D | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R |
See also
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
- ↑ Cook Political Report, "2025 Cook PVI℠: District Map and List (119th Congress)," accessed July 1, 2025
