GOP state Rep. Kevin Steele of Pasco County announced Friday that he will challenge U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, a Democrat, in Congressional District 14, which was made red-leaning after redistricting.
Under the new congressional map signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis this month, Castor’s once safe blue seat is now a prime pickup opportunity for Republicans. The district, which previously included urban St. Petersburg and Tampa, now covers South Tampa and southeast Hillsborough County. It would have gone for President Donald Trump by more than 10 points in 2024.
Castor previously announced that she’ll run in the new District 14. She has served Tampa in the U.S. House since 2007. Local Democrats have suggested she could still win her redrawn seat, particularly in a challenging electoral environment for Republicans.
Steele, however, could bring formidable financial resources to the race. Late last year, he launched a primary challenge against Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia. He poured $5 million of his own money into the effort before dropping out and endorsing Ingoglia in February. He is worth nearly $153 million, according to state financial disclosures.
Castor had raised almost $900,000 in her bid for reelection as of March 31. Her latest finance report came before state Republicans redrew her district’s boundaries.
Castor now has 11 Republican challengers in the race, though three besides Steele have not reported raising any money.
The new congressional map faces multiple lawsuits that argue it violates Florida’s Fair Districts Amendment, which bans partisan gerrymandering. But those lawsuits may not wrap up in time for the November election, meaning Florida’s new map would still stand.
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