Ola Hawatmeh notches Hispanic Chamber of Commerce endorsement for CD 19 bid

Republican Ola Hawatmeh has added another endorsement in her bid to succeed U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds in Florida’s 19th Congressional District.

The Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, which has promoted the economic growth and development of Hispanic entrepreneurs since 2000, is throwing its support behind Hawatmeh, her campaign said.

The endorsement adds to others Hawatmeh received from U.S. Reps. John McGuire of Virginia and Marlin Stutzman of Indiana, and state Rep. Meg Weinberger of Palm Beach Gardens. Weinberger’s broad support from notable backers of President Donald Trump earned her the nickname “MAGA Meg.”

Hawatmeh also has support from Trump adviser and economist Stephen Moore.

A self-described “unwavering America First patriot, accomplished business owner, designer, philanthropist, and dedicated conservative activist,” Hawatmeh has worked as a senior policy adviser to U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz of Indiana and owns Missouri-based makeover and style companies.

Her philanthropic involvements include the Wounded Warrior Project and Hope for Heroes, and she is the co-founder of the Middle East Women’s Coalition, having been born in the U.S. to Jordanian immigrants.

Between filing to run for CD 19 in late August 2025 and New Year’s Eve, the most recent date for which campaign finance information is posted on the Federal Election Commission website, she raised $254,000.

Others seeking to succeed Donalds, who is competing in a Republican Primary for Governor, include GOP candidates Madison Cawthorn, Stephen Elliott, John Fratto, Catalina Lauf, Jim Oberweis, Mike Pedersen, Jim Schwartzel and John Strand. Democrat Howard Sapp is also running.

CD 19 covers a coastal area of Southwest Florida and includes all or part of the cities of Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel, Bonita Springs, Naples and Marco Island, and unincorporated areas in Collier and Lee counties.

Donalds has represented the district, which votes overwhelmingly Republican, since 2021.