Michael Thompson becomes latest GOP candidate in CD 22 – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Pexels)
Florida’s 22nd Congressional District now has one more Republican contender. Michael Thompson, who once led the Lee County Republican Executive Committee, announced his candidacy for the seat that stretches across parts of Palm Beach, Broward and Collier counties. The move comes weeks after businessman Casey Askar entered the primary and adds another established local figure to a field already drawing self-funded candidates.
Roots in Southwest Florida and Early Political Work
Thompson was born in Palm Beach Gardens and graduated from Glades Day School in Belle Glade. He plans to return to his hometown to run. Over the past decade he built a record of local Republican organizing, founding the East Lee County Republican Club and the Lee County chapter of the Republican Liberty Caucus.
In 2022 he won the Lee County GOP chairmanship by a narrow margin. During his tenure he helped bring former President Donald Trump to headline a Lincoln Day Dinner fundraiser. Thompson also worked with former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn on projects tied to The America Project, including reviews of Florida election procedures ahead of the midterms.
Shift From State House Bid to Congressional Run
Last year Thompson had planned to challenge state Representative Tiffany Esposito in House District 77. He withdrew from that contest in January. The decision to aim higher for Congress reflects the new district lines drawn after the 2020 census, which created a nearly coast-to-coast seat under Florida’s current map.
Thompson highlighted his non-political work when he launched the campaign. He founded the SW Florida Heroes Foundation, a nonprofit that assists veterans across Collier, Hendry and Lee counties. He also served as a fire commissioner in Alva, giving him direct experience with local public safety issues.
Platform Focused on Trump-Era Priorities
Thompson framed his candidacy around continuing policies he associates with the previous administration. In his announcement he said President Trump gave the country a roadmap back to greatness and that he wants to build that roadmap in the 22nd District for farmers, veterans, families, small business owners and blue-collar workers.
Those themes align with the district’s mix of agricultural communities in the Glades and growing suburban areas along the coast. Thompson’s background in veterans’ services and local government positions him to speak directly to those groups if he advances past the primary.
Other Candidates and Fundraising Picture
The Republican primary already includes several candidates with substantial resources. Businessman Michael Carbonara has reported $2.3 million in self-funding after initially targeting a different seat. Investor Herbert Wertheim has brought $2.5 million of his own money into the race.
Additional GOP hopefuls Daniel Franzese, Anna Medvedeva, Deborah Adeimy and David Burck have each raised more than six figures. On the Democratic side, the seat could become competitive if U.S. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz decides to run under the new lines. The district supported Trump in 2024 after Biden carried it in 2020.
What the Entry Means for Voters
Thompson’s campaign adds a candidate with deep local party ties and veterans’ advocacy experience to an already crowded field. Primary voters will weigh his record of organizing and nonprofit work against the financial strength of self-funded opponents.
The outcome will help shape which Republican message reaches the general election in a district that has shown shifting partisan margins in recent cycles. With filing deadlines still ahead, the race remains fluid for both parties.
