Steube battles Montavon in Florida's 17th
Incumbent Greg Steube faces Democrat Matthew Montavon in a district where Republicans have dominated voting since 2019.
By Matthew Collins ·
U.S. Rep. Greg Steube is seeking a fourth term in Florida's 17th Congressional District, where he will face Democrat Matthew Montavon. Steube has held the seat since 2019, representing a region that includes much of Charlotte and Sarasota counties as well as part of Lee County. In previous elections, he consistently secured more than 60 percent of the vote.
The race marks the first serious challenge Steube has faced since taking office. The district has a history of strong Republican support. Steube has aligned closely with President Donald Trump, defending the administration during both of Trump's impeachments in his first term. He also filed impeachment papers against former President Joe Biden early in that administration.
Montavon, the Democratic challenger, has lived in Sarasota County since 1986 and became a year-round resident in 2018. He spent 27 years working for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Before that role, he worked in urban and regional planning for local governments in West Virginia, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
Montavon believes his international background prepares him for the role in what he describes as an interconnected world. He stated that he hopes voters will look past his party affiliation to consider his experience in a district that leans heavily Republican.
A separate contest is taking place in the 16th Congressional District, which covers DeSoto County, portions of Sarasota, and the Tampa Bay area. Sydney Gruters and Kelly Kirschner are competing for this seat. Gruters, a Republican, is the wife of RNC Chief Joe Gruters. She holds the endorsement of Donald Trump and most Florida GOP leaders.
Kirschner, the Democratic candidate, is a third-generation Florida resident and former mayor of Sarasota. He served in the Peace Corps and founded a nonprofit organization designed to help first-generation students attend top colleges without incurring debt, according to his website.
Voters in both districts will choose their representatives in the upcoming general election. The 17th District race pits a long-serving incumbent against a Democrat with a background in international development and local planning.
Source: Sun Newspapers (North Port Sun)
