Despite social media posts touting that people have filed to run for Matt Gaetz’s seat, the special election date hasn’t been set, and no one is listed to have filed D1 for the 2026 election as of 7 a.m. – here.
Michelle “Waiting for an Answered Prayer” Salzman is listed as pre-filed for her State House seat for 2026.
- The only candidate listed on EscamnbiaVotes.gov is Chase Anderson “Andy” Romagnano for Pensacola mayor.
New Names:
The Thornton Review Show, hosted by Charles Thornton, says former Green Beret John Frankman has filed “to take Matt Gaetz’s open congressional seat.”
Tallahassee Democrat reporter Jim Rosica posted on X: “I’m hearing that @JamesUthmeierFL is not pursuing the @marcorubio U.S. Senate seat BUT is still considering the CD1 vacancy, among other options.” James Uthemeier is DeSantis’s chief of staff and was the campaign manager for the Gov. DeSantis’s presidential run.
- I’ve been told several military veterans from the eastern part of District 1—think Okaloosa and Walton counties—are considering the race and claim to have the money to be contenders. However, military veterans have not done well in D1 congressional races.
Lara Trump Bandwagon
Lara Trump, President-elect Donald Trump’s daughter-in-law, is gaining support to fill Sen. Marco Rubio’s seat. Sen. Rick Scott posted on X:
We need more Republicans in Washington who actually represent the Republican Party back home and will be steadfast in their commitment to fulfill the mandate from this election – to Make America Great Again.
@LaraLeaTrump is that person.
Last week, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna posted:
@LaraLeaTrump needs to be the nominated replacement by @GovDeSantisfor Rubio. She will keep the seat and avoid a messy primary for FLORIDA. Well-spoken. Kicked butt on election integrity. Etc
PODCAST
On Dec. 7, 2017, I interviewed Lara Trump, the day before President Donald Trump returned to Pensacola for a Make America Great Again rally.
Photo by saeed karimi on Unsplash