Associated Builders and Contractors Florida Gulf Coast Chapter is weighing in on a string of U.S. House races running from the Tampa Bay region to Southwest Florida.
The construction trade association on Tuesday threw its support behind Republican incumbent U.S. Reps. Gus Bilirakis in CD 12, Anna Paulina Luna in CD 13, Laurel Lee in CD 15, Greg Steube in CD 17 and Scott Franklin in CD 18 as well as GOP hopefuls Kevin Steele in CD 14, Sydney Gruters in CD 16 and Catalina Lauf in CD 19.
“Florida’s construction industry depends on leaders who understand that strong infrastructure, a skilled workforce, and a healthy economy don’t happen by accident,” said Steve Cona III, President and CEO of ABC Florida Gulf Coast Chapter.
“These candidates have demonstrated a commitment to free enterprise, reducing unnecessary regulations, protecting taxpayer dollars, and creating an environment where contractors can continue building the schools, hospitals, roads, manufacturing facilities, and commercial projects that keep Florida growing.”
The incumbent slate is mostly running in districts that have preserved their partisan edge after new congressional maps took effect earlier this year — Bilirakis, Lee, Steube and Franklin are viewed as strong favorites in November. The exception is Luna, whose Pinellas- and Pasco-based seat was a Democratic target under the old map and remains one under the current one.
CD 16 and CD 19 are likewise considered Republican holds.
Sydney Gruters, the wife of Republican National Committee Chair and state Sen. Joe Gruters, is viewed as the front-runner in CD 16 — the seat currently held by retiring U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan. Notably, she launched her bid with a “Complete and Total” endorsement from the President.
Lauf, meanwhile, is one of 10 Republicans who qualified for the ballot in CD 19, the District currently represented by Byron Donalds, who forwent re-election to run for Governor. The field also includes former U.S. Reps. Madison Cawthorn and Chris Collins, media executive Jim Schwartzel, and former Illinois state Sen. Jim Oberweis.
CD 14 is the biggest question mark on ABC’s list. Steele is running for the nomination as Republicans seek to hold the Tampa Bay-area District that, while redrawn by Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration to favor the GOP, appears amenable to re-electing longtime Democratic U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor — a recent St. Pete Polls survey found her up 46%-39% over Steele; she holds a similar lead over his Primary competitor, former state Rep. Mike Beltran.
