Donald Trump says "SHE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!" for Catalina Lauf in Florida’s 19th District race

Former Western New York congressman Chris Collins is running in Florida’s 19th District Republican primary on Tuesday, seeking a return to office after pleading guilty to securities fraud and later receiving a presidential pardon. The seat is open because Rep. Byron Donalds is running for governor. Recent surveys show Collins behind several rivals, and he has faced accusations of living outside the district. In a significant setback, Donald Trump publicly backed another candidate, Catalina Lauf, saying she had his full endorsement. The former president’s support could shape the race. The Republican nominee is expected to win the general election, making the primary decisive. Collins previously pleaded guilty to securities fraud and received a 26-month sentence; Trump pardoned him in 2020.