
Herbie Wertheim
FL-22 Republican nominee?
Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleOptometrist
PartyRepublican
Political ideologyTrump-aligned Republican
Age87 years old (May 23, 1939)
GenderMale
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LocationFlorida
BackgroundOptometrist
EducationEastern Florida State College (formerly Brevard Community College)
Notable personal detailsHerbert A. Wertheim (known as “Herbie”) is an American optometrist, inventor, billionaire businessman, and philanthropist. He founded Brain Power Incorporated, a manufacturer of ophthalmic instruments and chemicals, and has served on boards across business and nonprofit sectors. In 2026, he filed to run as a Republican for the U.S. House in Florida’s 22nd Congressional District.
SourcesShowHide
Positions
Healthcare
The candidate emphasizes preventing illness and expanding access through philanthropy and healthcare innovation rather than detailing specific policy reforms. He has said prevention and increasing access are priorities he hopes to raise during his campaign. Public donations and pledges to health institutions are a central part of his healthcare focus.
News
Herbie Wertheim is in the news because of a Florida congressional campaign tied to Republican fintech entrepreneur Michael Carbonara. Carbonara sold 10 Bitcoin for $800,000 to help finance the race and is self-funding much of his bid. The campaign is also centered on pro-crypto and blockchain transparency themes, and redistricting has shifted the contest into Florida’s newly redrawn 22nd District.
Endorsements
Endorsers of Herbie Wertheim for FL-22 Republican nominee?
Toni Holt Kramer
Public figure
Toni Holt Kramer endorsed Herbie Wertheim for Congress in Florida's 22nd District.
Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 20262026
LatestCycle 2026
Source: FEC
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Polls



