Prediction Edge
Republican
Herbie Wertheim

Herbie Wertheim

Overview

Current roleOptometrist

PartyRepublican

Political ideologyTrump-aligned Republican

Age87 years old (May 23, 1939)

GenderMale

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LocationFlorida

BackgroundOptometrist

EducationBrevard Community College (now Eastern Florida State College) — graduate

Notable personal detailsHerbert A. “Herbie” Wertheim is an American optometrist, inventor, billionaire businessman, and philanthropist, and the founder and president of Brain Power Incorporated. He filed as a Republican candidate for U.S. House in Florida’s 22nd district in the 2026 cycle, later withdrawing from the race. He has been a major donor to higher education and health institutions in Florida and elsewhere, including roles as Founding Chairman of the FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine and honorary chairman of the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering at the University of Florida.

SourcesShow
fec.govdos.elections.myflorida.comen.wikipedia.orgdocquery.fec.govforbes.comthecandidate.comelections.maricopa.govlookup.boe.ohio.govmi-boe.entellitrak.comresults.elections.virginia.govelections.il.govflaglerelections.govstetnews.orgcookpolitical.comopencampaign.commartinvotes.govflaglerelections.comarxiv.orgfec.state.fl.usocvote.govwlrn.orgbaptisthealth.netcelebritynetworth.comeng.ufl.eduwertheim.scripps.ufl.educommencement.ufl.eduhistory.house.govupi.comnegociosmagazine.compolitifact.comdos.fl.govtbp.orgtrustees.ufl.educongress.govdigitalcommons.fiu.eduinstagram.comballotpedia.orgcivoren.comfloridianpress.comsun-sentinel.comfacebook.comde.wikipedia.orggovinfo.govballotready.orglegislation.ballotpedia.org

Positions

LiberalConservative

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

AINews Summary
Last updatedJun 14, 2026

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.

fec.gov+44
Articles
DDecrypt2 months ago

Florida Candidate Liquidates $800K in Bitcoin to Bankroll Congressional Bid

Neutral

Endorsements

FL-22 Republican nominee?

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.

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Fundraising

Latest report: Cycle 2026
Total raisedCash on hand
$2.5M
$1.9M
$1.3M
$625K
$0

2026

Latest
Year
Total raised
Cash on hand
Total spent
Burn rate

Cycle 2026

$2.5M
$0.00
$2.5M
$138.9K

Source: FEC

New updates coming soon

We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.

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