Florida House Race: District 26 Incumbent Leads in Tight Contest

Republican incumbent Mario Diaz-Balart is leading the race for Florida’s 26th Congressional District, though officials had not declared a winner as of late Tuesday evening. The contest remains too close to call, pitting Diaz-Balart against Democrat Nicole Locklin and independent Deborah Meidinger Hosey.

Diaz-Balart has held the seat for twelve terms, spanning more than two decades. In previous cycles, he won by margins exceeding 30 points. This midterm election marks his first competitive challenge in that span. His campaign focused on restoring the Everglades, enforcing fiscal discipline in Congress, improving education, and promoting humane immigration reform alongside national security measures.

Locklin, who practiced law for over a decade, campaigned on protecting Medicare and Social Security. Her platform also emphasized reproductive freedom, stronger wages, and affordability in housing, insurance, and healthcare. Hosey ran as an independent candidate. All three candidates advanced to the general election after running unopposed in their respective primaries.

The 26th District includes parts of Southwest Broward, Doral, Hialeah, and Miami Lakes. Local concerns over affordability and immigration weighed heavily on the incumbent’s base. Diaz-Balart sought to retain the seat after serving his community for over twenty years. The result will determine which candidate represents this section of Miami-Dade County in the next Congress.