FL-17 Democratic nominee?
$4.9K
AUG 19, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleCandidate for U.S. House (FL-17)
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyProgressive Democrat
LocationFlorida
BackgroundCandidate for U.S. House (FL-17)
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EducationThe Catholic University of America — B.A., Political Science and Spanish (honors)
Notable personal detailsMatthew Montavon is a Democratic candidate for the U.S. House in Florida’s 17th Congressional District (2026). He has worked in urban/regional planning and later spent roughly 27 years with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. He previously ran in the district’s Democratic primary and has been active in local Democratic organizations in the Sarasota area.
SourcesShowHide
Positions
Economy & Taxes
Supports expanding and funding government programs to lower costs for working families, strengthen Social Security and Medicare, expand access to affordable healthcare, and expand affordable housing; emphasizes protecting and increasing government support rather than prioritizing tax cuts. No explicit campaign pledge on raising taxes on wealthier individuals or corporations is stated in available materials.
Healthcare
Supports making healthcare more affordable and expanding access to healthcare for residents of Southwest Florida. Campaign materials list lowering healthcare costs and expanding access as priorities. Local Democratic materials likewise cite expanding access to healthcare as part of the candidate’s platform.
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Immigration & Border
Supports immigration reform focused on limiting enforcement abuses and expanding legal pathways to status, including creating a comprehensive pathway to citizenship and reforming ICE/detention practices.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Supports that abortion decisions should be made between a woman and her healthcare provider, opposes government restrictions on abortion access, and will push for laws protecting a woman’s right to choose including voting Yes on Amendment 4.
Climate & Energy
Supports recognizing and addressing climate change impacts on Florida’s Gulf Coast, including rising sea levels, increased flooding, and warmer oceans; advocates for environmentally sensitive development and taking action to reduce harms. Positions emphasize climate mitigation and protection of coastal ecosystems without endorsing Green New Deal–style language.
Public Safety & Guns
Supports banning civilian use of assault weapons, requiring universal and comprehensive background checks, state licensing, and expanded/red flag gun-safety laws while preserving hunting and sport firearm purchases.
News
Matthew Montavon is being mentioned in coverage of the 2026 House race fundraising picture. The report says Democrats outraised Republican incumbents in many competitive districts, including some in Florida and other battleground states. The broader context is that fundraising, polling, and redistricting are shaping expectations for the midterm elections.
Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 20262024
2026
LatestCycle 2024
Cycle 2026
Source: FEC
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Polls
- Endorsements