Polling Average
10%8%6%4%2%0%
7.5%
7%
6%
Republican
Jim Schwartzel
FL-19 Republican nominee?
$14.0K
AUG 19, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleBroadcasting executive
PartyRepublican
Political ideologyTrump-aligned Republican
GenderMale
LocationFlorida
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BackgroundBroadcasting executive
EducationStetson University — degree in finance
Notable personal detailsJames W. (Jim) Schwartzel is a Republican candidate for the U.S. House in Florida’s 19th Congressional District in the 2026 election cycle. He is president of Fort Myers-based Sun Broadcasting and has been involved in his family’s broadcasting business for decades. He is also associated with conservative talk radio in Southwest Florida and has owned/operated media properties in the region. He graduated from Stetson University with a degree in finance.
SourcesShowHide
fec.govdos.elections.myflorida.comfloridafaf.memberclicks.netjimforcongress.combusinessobserverfl.comelectrepublicans.orgflvoicenews.comdos.fl.govisidewith.combluevoterguide.orgfloridapolitics.comquiverquant.comfloridianpress.comen.wikipedia.orgdocquery.fec.govarxiv.orgmartinvotes.govopencampaign.comtermlimits.comveroguide.comthedailybeast.comkrtv.comjimforwi.comwdet.orgjournal-news.comcbsnews.comfoxnews.comapnews.comno.linkedin.comse.linkedin.comau.linkedin.comlinkedin.comx.comdeveloper.ballotpedia.orgcba.ballotpedia.orgbusiness.linkedin.comstatic.politico.comwashingtonpost.com
Positions
LiberalConservative
Economy & Taxes
The candidate supports keeping taxes low, cutting burdensome regulations, and opposing expanded “socialist” spending. He emphasizes policies to make it easier for small businesses to thrive and to reduce government spending that he links to inflation and reduced opportunity.
Healthcare
Supports local, community-based approaches to healthcare and opposes federal mandates and what he calls ‘socialist policies’ that increase healthcare costs. Emphasizes reducing government spending and preferring local solutions over expanded federal programs.
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Immigration & Border
The candidate supports finishing the border wall, strict enforcement of immigration laws, and deportation of those who enter illegally while saying he favors legal immigration. He frames illegal immigration as a national security and public-safety threat and prioritizes stopping illicit drugs and illegal entry.
Climate & Energy
The candidate emphasizes "energy independence" and opposes federal mandates, favoring local solutions and common-sense water management to protect waterways and beaches. The platform frames environmental regulation as something to resist when driven by "environmental extremists" and prioritizes economic growth and reduced regulation.
Public Safety & Guns
The candidate affirms defending the right to keep and bear arms and says he will preserve gun ownership as a constitutional liberty while emphasizing support for law enforcement and public safety. His campaign frames these positions within a broader pro-Second Amendment, pro-police platform.
News
AINews Summary
Last updatedMay 19, 2026
Jim Schwartzel is in the news as a candidate in the crowded race for Florida’s 19th Congressional District, which opened after Byron Donalds decided to run for governor. The race is still unsettled, with several candidates competing and no clear frontrunner yet. He has also been pulled into a local political dispute tied to a lawsuit against former WINK News meteorologist Matt Devitt, though Schwartzel denies any involvement.
fec.gov+37
Articles
NDNaples Daily News2 months ago
Who is running for Byron Donalds Florida 19 seat?
Neutral
NNews-Press2 months ago
WINK News sues Matt Devitt over firing, WeatherView dispute
Negative
NDNaples Daily News21 days ago
Florida redistricting session is now. Fair Districts Amendment explained
Positive
SRSanta Rosa Press Democrat4 days ago
Supreme Court ruling fuels new push to defend Black representation
Neutral
Polls
FL-19 Republican nominee?
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 2026Total raisedCash on hand
$1.7M
$1.3M
$866.9K
$433.5K
$0
2026
LatestYear
Total raised
Cash on hand
Total spent
Burn rate
Cycle 2026
$1.7M
$1.5M
$258.4K
$17.2K
Source: FEC
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Endorsements