Anthony Sabatini files to succeed Dan Webster in CD 11

Lake County Commissioner Anthony Sabatini said he has filed to run to succeed retiring U.S. Rep. Dan Webster.

The Republican, who boasts a social media following with the far-right, said he filed in Florida’s 11th Congressional District. Notably, he challenged Webster in a Republican Primary last election cycle in that seat, though he dropped out after Trump endorsed the Clermont Republican. He instead ran for Lake County Commission, unseating Republican incumbent Doug Shields.

Webster announced on Tuesday that he would not seek another term to spend more time with his family. Sabatini within a couple hours announced he was exploring a bid.

Notably, the move comes as the Florida Legislature considers a new congressional map proposed by Gov. Ron DeSantis and made public on Monday. Under that cartography, CD 11 would cover all of Sumter County, most of Lake County (though not Eustis, where Sabatini first won elected office) and much of west Orange County. The district would no longer reach south into Polk County but would reach further east to Williamsburg and Southchase.

“Thank you to the many patriots and supporters asking me to run for Congress, FL-11.  We are reviewing the new congressional map now—Qualifying is in 45 days,” Sabatini announced mid-day Tuesday after Webster’s announcement. “We need members of Congress who will ENSURE we deport 30 million illegals and protect the American way of life.”

A few hours later, he posted “Go time.” He then confirmed to Florida Politics he filed for the open seat.

Before his current post on the Lake County Commission, Sabatini served in the Florida Legislature, but frequently was at odds with leadership. Former Speaker Chris Sprowls ultimately relocated Sabatini’s office to the basement of the House Office Building in Tallahassee.

He later ran unsuccessfully for Congress in 2022 in Florida’s 7th Congressional District, losing in a Republican Primary to now-U.S. Rep. Cory Mills.

Sabatini once was an ardent supporter of President Donald Trump, but of late has been highly critical of the President, accusing him of softening immigration policies.

Former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, who in 2024 resigned his seat amid a House Ethics investigation into alleged sexual misconduct, cheered Sabatini’s entry into the field.

“He is a true fighter and will battle the Swamp for all Floridians,” Gaetz posted.