FL-17 Democratic nominee?
$4.9K
AUG 19, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleUnited Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) official
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyProgressive Democrat
LocationFlorida
BackgroundUnited Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) official
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EducationDegrees in political science and public administration
Notable personal detailsMatthew Montavon is a Democratic candidate for the U.S. House in Florida’s 17th Congressional District. He is a retired public administrator who worked for the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization and has been active in local Democratic Party organizations in the Sarasota area. His stated policy priorities include defending democratic institutions, lowering costs, and immigration reform.
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Positions
Economy & Taxes
Supports restoring and funding government programs, strengthening and safeguarding Social Security and Medicare, expanding access to healthcare and affordable housing, and lowering costs for working families — positions that indicate support for maintaining or increasing government spending on social programs rather than tax-cutting priorities.
Healthcare
Supports making healthcare affordable and accessible, strengthening Social Security and Medicare, and closing the Affordable Care Act Medicaid coverage gap so low-income families can access coverage. Also prioritizes access to reproductive health care and related services.
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Immigration & Border
Supports immigration reform that includes creating a comprehensive pathway to citizenship, reforming ICE and immigration enforcement, and closing harmful detention practices (including advocacy to close the Everglades ICE detention center).
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Supports that reproductive health decisions should be between a woman and her medical provider and that government should not interfere. Advocates ensuring birth control, abortion, and comprehensive reproductive health care are accessible and affordable for all.
Climate & Energy
The candidate’s campaign materials state that climate change is a “very real crisis” for Florida’s Gulf Coast and call for taking action to address rising sea levels, heavier rainfall, storm damage, and harm to coral reefs. The platform emphasizes environmentally sensitive development but does not list specific federal policy proposals (e.g., emissions targets, carbon pricing, or detailed clean-energy programs).
Public Safety & Guns
Supports banning civilian use of assault weapons, enacting universal and comprehensive background checks, supporting state licensing and expanding/enforcing red flag laws, while preserving access for hunters and sportsmen. Advocates for broader gun safety laws to reduce U.S. gun violence.
Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 20262024
2026
LatestCycle 2024
Cycle 2026
Source: FEC
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
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