Schwartzel beats Trump-backed rival as Arias wins Democratic primary in Florida’s 19th District

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA (WINK) — Jim Schwartzel won the Republican nomination and Victor Arias won the Democratic nomination for U.S. House in Florida’s 19th Congressional District, according to the Associated Press.

Schwartzel, a Southwest Florida businessman and president of Sun Broadcasting, defeated a crowded field of Republican candidates in Tuesday’s primary.

The republican race included former U.S. Reps. Madison Cawthorn and Chris Collins, as well as Catalina Lauf, who was backed by President Donald Trump. 

Schwartzel was endorsed by House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., and Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio.

On his campaign page, Schwartzel says he will “fight back against outside political interest groups that threaten our environment, suppress free speech, and drive up healthcare costs.”

On the Democratic side, Arias defeated Howard Sapp and Robert M. Neeld. The Associated Press called the race for Arias at 8:40 p.m.

On his campaign page Arias said he is "running to cut the red tape for veterans, protect Medicare for seniors, and defend the water quality that drives our economy".

WINK News interviewed both candidates ahead of Tuesday’s election. You can watch their full interviews here.

Schwartzel and Arias will face each other in the November general election.

The District 19 seat is open after Republican Rep. Byron Donalds left the congressional race to run for governor of Florida.

Donalds won the GOP nomination for governor and will face Democratic nominee David Jolly in the November general election.

Jim Schwartzel is the president of Sun Broadcasting, which owns local media outlets, including 92.5 FOX News, The CW and FOX Florida, which air WINK News. Schwartzel has no involvement in WINK News editorial decisions.