Florida races: Steube seeks re-election amid competitive field

U.S. Representative Greg Steube is running for another term in Congress, facing a challenge from Democrat Matthew Montavon in the 17th District. This race covers much of Charlotte, Sarasota, and a portion of Lee counties.

Steube has held this seat since 2019. He has typically secured more than 60 percent of the vote in previous elections. His voting record leans conservative, and he served as a loyal supporter of President Donald Trump. Steube voted against both of Trump's first-term impeachment proceedings. He also filed impeachment papers against President Joe Biden early in that administration.

Montavon has lived in Sarasota County as a year-round resident since 2018, though he has visited since 1986. He spent 27 years working for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. He also worked in local government, handling urban and regional planning in West Virginia, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

Montavon argues that his international experience prepares him for the role of a representative in an interconnected world. He acknowledged that he is a Democrat running in a largely Republican district. He stated that he hopes voters will look past that political label.

A separate contest is underway for the 16th District. This district includes DeSoto County, parts of Sarasota, and the Tampa Bay area. Sydney Gruters, a Republican, is seeking the seat. She is married to RNC Chief Joe Gruters and holds the endorsement of Donald Trump along with most Florida GOP leaders.

Kelly Kirschner is Gruters' Democratic opponent. Kirschner is a third-generation Florida resident and a former mayor of Sarasota. He served in the Peace Corps. He also created a non-profit organization designed to help first-generation students gain admission to top colleges without accumulating debt.