Rep. Maxwell Frost, the first member of Generation Z elected to Congress, secured victory in the Democratic primary for Florida’s 10th Congressional District on Tuesday. While Frost is considered the favorite in the race, his controversial positions, particularly his full support for military aid to Israel, opened doors for his primary challengers.
Frost, who previously served as the national advance manager for Senator Bernie Sanders’ 2020 presidential campaign, made headlines in 2022 for his unique journey to Congress. He faced challenges like credit issues that hindered his ability to secure an apartment in Washington, D.C. Despite these obstacles, Frost’s focus on improving the situation at the U.S. southern border resonated with voters. During a candidate forum, he emphasized the need for a streamlined process for asylum seekers, arguing that “we do have a legal system of asylum, which is a legal right for people to claim asylum. So, what we need to do is pass legislation to get more asylum attorneys, judges, more personnel down there so this process can be sped up.”
However, Frost’s opponents, including Vibert White, challenged his views on immigration. White argued at the same forum that securing the border and enforcing existing immigration laws were paramount. He stated, “One of the first things that needs to be done is to follow existing laws that are already on the books to secure our border. Secondly, we have to understand that we are not an open-door policy any longer, that we cannot afford it. We have other people within the United States who need the resources that can be utilized in their own communities.”
While Frost’s victory in the Democratic primary is significant, the race against the Republican challenger remains to be seen. The Republican primary features Tuan Lee and Willie Montague, with the winner facing off against Frost in the general election. Election experts, including the Cook Political Report, Decision Desk HQ, and Sabato’s Crystal Ball, categorize the district as safe for Democrats.
Despite his early successes, Rep. Maxwell Frost’s path to re-election is not without its challenges. His stance on immigration, coupled with criticism surrounding his positions on other issues, has fueled a contentious primary campaign. The upcoming general election will reveal whether Frost can overcome these obstacles and secure a second term in Congress.
