Republican Rep. Brian Mast of Florida has secured his party’s nomination for the 21st Congressional District, overcoming a spirited challenge from businessman Rick Wiles. The hotly contested primary election saw Mast emerge victorious on Tuesday, setting the stage for a November showdown against Democrat Thomas Witkop, who ran unopposed.
Mast, who has represented the district since 2017, has made ‘draining the swamp’ in Washington, D.C. a central theme of his campaigns. He argues that the Biden-Harris administration has prioritized sending money abroad while neglecting everyday Americans. In an interview, Mast stated, “This place is a swamp. I also sit on the Foreign Affairs Committee, and daily I’m forced to watch the administration send dollars out the door to foreign countries in ways that in no way whatsoever benefit the American people.”
Mast is also a vocal advocate for term limits, stating in the interview that he is “fine” with being forced out of Congress himself in order to “reform the overall system.” Wiles, his opponent, pledged to serve a maximum of three terms if elected and also promised to cut funding for foreign wars.
The two candidates also clashed on issues surrounding Israel. Wiles criticized Mast’s support for Israel, specifically highlighting an incident where Mast was pictured wearing an Israeli military uniform in Congress and admitted to participating in Israel Defense Forces (IDF) activities. “Brian Mast dishonored every member of the American Armed Forces and all our veterans by wearing an IDF uniform and volunteering to serve in Israel,” Wiles stated. “He particularly insulted my good friends in the USS Liberty Veterans Association who lost 34 shipmates during a surprise IDF attack in 1967.”
Election experts widely view the 21st District as a safe Republican seat. Mast’s victory solidifies his position as the Republican candidate heading into the general election in November, where he will face Democrat Thomas Witkop.
