Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Florida Gulf Coast Chapter has endorsed eight Republican candidates running for Congress, weighing in on several of Florida’s most closely watched U.S. House races as the 2026 election season enters its final stretch before the August primary.
Associated Builders and Contractors is a national construction industry trade association that advocates on issues affecting the construction sector, including workforce development, infrastructure investment, regulatory reform and free enterprise. Through its state and local chapters, the organization also participates in the political process by endorsing candidates for public office.
The endorsements include five incumbent Republican members of Congress and three GOP candidates seeking either open seats or competitive districts across Central and Southwest Florida. According to the organization, the endorsements recognize candidates who support policies aimed at strengthening Florida’s economy, expanding infrastructure investment and reducing regulatory burdens on businesses.
“These candidates have demonstrated a commitment to free enterprise, reducing unnecessary regulations, protecting taxpayer dollars, and creating an environment where contractors can continue building the schools, hospitals, roads, manufacturing facilities, and commercial projects that keep Florida growing,” ABC Florida Gulf Coast Chapter President and CEO Steve Cona III said.
Endorsed Candidates
ABC Florida Gulf Coast Chapter announced endorsements for the following Republican congressional candidates:
- Florida’s 12th Congressional District: Rep. Gus Bilirakis (Incumbent)
- Florida’s 13th Congressional District: Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (Incumbent)
- Florida’s 14th Congressional District: Kevin Steele
- Florida’s 15th Congressional District: Rep. Laurel Lee (Incumbent)
- Florida’s 16th Congressional District: Sydney Gruters
- Florida’s 17th Congressional District: Rep. Greg Steube (Incumbent)
- Florida’s 18th Congressional District: Rep. Scott Franklin (Incumbent)
- Florida’s 19th Congressional District: Catalina Lauf
The endorsements come as Republicans work to defend their House majority while maintaining control of much of Florida’s congressional delegation following the state’s newly redrawn congressional map.
Key Competitive Races
Several of the endorsed candidates are running in districts expected to remain safely Republican, including Bilirakis, Laurel Lee, Greg Steube and Scott Franklin.
However, other races are expected to draw greater attention during the general election.
In Florida’s 13th Congressional District, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna is seeking another term in a district that remains one of the more competitive congressional seats in the Tampa Bay region despite recent redistricting.
In Florida’s 14th Congressional District, Republican Kevin Steele is seeking to unseat Democratic Rep. Kathy Castor. Although Florida’s new congressional map made the district more favorable to Republicans, recent public polling has continued to show Castor holding an advantage heading toward November.
Open Seats Draw National Attention
Two of the endorsements involve open Republican-held seats that have attracted competitive primary contests.
Sydney Gruters is seeking the Republican nomination in Florida’s 16th Congressional District to succeed retiring Rep. Vern Buchanan. Gruters entered the race with President Donald Trump’s endorsement and is widely viewed as one of the leading candidates in the Republican primary.
Meanwhile, Catalina Lauf is competing in the crowded Republican primary for Florida’s 19th Congressional District, currently represented by Rep. Byron Donalds, who is running for governor instead of seeking another House term.
The Republican field in District 19 includes several well-known candidates, including former U.S. Reps. Madison Cawthorn and Chris Collins, businessman Jim Oberweis, and media executive Jim Schwartzel.
Business Groups Continue Political Engagement
Construction industry organizations have traditionally played an active role in Florida elections by endorsing candidates they believe support economic growth, workforce development, infrastructure investment, and reduced regulatory burdens.
ABC Florida Gulf Coast Chapter’s endorsements add another influential business organization to the growing list of groups backing candidates ahead of Florida’s August Republican primary.
With early voting approaching, endorsements from statewide and regional organizations are expected to become increasingly common as campaigns compete for voter attention.
Sources
- Associated Builders and Contractors of Florida – Politics & Government Affairs
- Florida Division of Elections candidate information
- Federal Election Commission candidate filings
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- Florida Elections 2026: Candidates, Races, Ballot Measures and Election News
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