House Democrats are setting their sights on flipping Florida’s 13th Congressional District in the upcoming election, designating U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna as “Florida’s Most Vulnerable Republican.” The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) criticized Luna in a recent email, arguing that her focus has shifted from the needs of her constituents to celebrity culture and conspiracy theories.
DCCC Spokesperson Madison Andrus stated, “Anna Paulina Luna wants to be everywhere except Florida’s 13th Congressional District,” highlighting a perceived disconnect between Luna and the issues that matter to her constituents. The DCCC indicated that Luna’s district, which she won in 2022 largely due to redistricting, is now among three GOP-held seats in Florida identified as “Districts in Play.”
Notably, even though former President Donald Trump won Luna’s district by 12 percentage points in 2024, Luna managed to secure re-election with less than 55% of the vote, suggesting she may be struggling to connect with voters. Her challenger, Democrat Whitney Fox, garnered over 45% of the vote, underlining the competitive nature of the district.
The DCCC’s criticism extends beyond electoral numbers, pointing to Luna’s controversial positions, including her criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and her demands for audits of foreign aid amidst the conflict with Russia. Luna has also stirred controversy by leading a House select committee investigating the Kennedy assassination, casting doubt on established historical accounts.
Additionally, the DCCC emphasized Luna’s social media focus, noting her numerous posts regarding the arrest of Canadian rapper Tory Lanez, while failing to address local issues in Florida. “She didn’t mention Florida even once in that same time,” the DCCC reported, suggesting that Luna’s priorities may not align with the concerns of her constituents.
As election season approaches, the DCCC’s framing of Luna as a “Clout Chasing Congresswoman” indicates a strategy aimed at capitalizing on her perceived vulnerabilities, striving to present a candidate more attuned to the needs and challenges of the district’s voters. This shift in focus could pave the way for a more vigorous electoral contest in Florida’s 13th district.