Catalina Lauf
FL-19 Republican nominee?
$17.3K
AUG 19, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current rolePolitical candidate
PartyRepublican
Political ideologyTrump-aligned Republican
GenderFemale
LocationFlorida
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BackgroundPolitical candidate
EducationMiami University (Ohio) (attended; 2011–2013 per LinkedIn)
Notable personal detailsCatalina Frances Lauf is a Republican candidate for the U.S. House in Florida’s 19th Congressional District in the 2026 cycle. She previously worked in the Trump administration and has been active in Republican politics, including a 2020 congressional campaign in Illinois. She has a background in business and has worked in roles spanning startups and business development. She is based in Bonita Springs, Florida.
SourcesShowHide
Positions
Economy & Taxes
Supports tax cuts and pro-growth tax policy, including expanding the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and favors a regulatory and tax environment that benefits small businesses and economic growth. Has pledged to reduce entitlement spending and create a more business-friendly climate.
Healthcare
The candidate opposes single‑payer/Medicare‑for‑All and has taken positions opposing expansions of Medicare authority such as provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act; her public materials and campaign history align with Republican market‑oriented healthcare reforms rather than major public expansions.
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Immigration & Border
Supports stronger border security and enforcement while emphasizing legal immigration; frames current Democratic policies as enabling an open-border crisis and calls for cracking down on illegal immigration. Positions emphasize protecting communities through tougher border measures rather than proposing expanded pathways or broad regularization.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Opposes abortion and describes herself as pro‑life; opposes federal funding for abortion-related services and supports alternatives such as pregnancy resource centers. Her past campaign materials characterized her as a vocal opponent of late‑term and partial‑birth abortion and said taxpayer funds should not be used to fund organizations that provide abortion services. Some campaign pages stating these positions were later removed or edited.
Climate & Energy
Supports energy independence and economic policies that prioritize lower costs and reduced regulation; emphasizes protecting local coastlines while criticizing Democratic energy policies and opposed the Inflation Reduction Act. Positions favor market-driven solutions and border/security/economic priorities over aggressive federal climate regulations.
Public Safety & Guns
The candidate opposes federal legislation that she views as infringing on the Second Amendment and has described herself as firmly against such measures. Her campaign and past statements have emphasized support for gun rights and personal firearm ownership.
News
Byron Donalds' decision to run for governor in 2026 has left Florida's 19th Congressional District seat open, attracting a crowded Republican primary. Key candidates include Jim Oberweis, Jim Schwartzel, Madison Cawthorn, Catalina Lauf, and Ola Hawatmeh, each with varying fundraising success and political backgrounds. The district, historically Republican, is expected to be decided in the primary, with no clear frontrunner yet.
Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 20262026
LatestCycle 2026
Source: FEC
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Polls
- Endorsements