Democrat James Martin is trying to unseat U.S. Rep. Brian Mast in Florida’s 21st Congressional District, a race that Florida Politics says is an uphill fight despite a national environment that favors Democrats. Election Day is Nov. 3.
The district covers St. Lucie and Martin counties and part of northern Palm Beach County. Mast, a Fort Pierce resident, won nearly 62% of the vote in 2024 and is seeking a sixth term. He had no primary opponent.
Martin, a 33-year-old Coast Guard veteran from Hobe Sound, beat EMT and firefighter Bernard Taylor by 362 votes in the Aug. 18 Democratic primary. Taylor initially refused to concede on election night, saying outstanding votes could change the result.
Money is the biggest gap. Mast reported $2.8 million in cash on hand as of Sept. 30 after spending $3.8 million. Martin entered October with less than $83,000 left from $772,000 raised, including $150,000 in candidate loans.
Martin has focused on affordability and called for a data center moratorium. Mast campaigns on gun rights, public safety and opposition to abortion. Both candidates have pledged to protect clean water and local waterways. Mast chairs the House Foreign Affairs Committee and is a strong supporter of Israel.
The Palm Beach Post endorsed Martin, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce backs Mast. Polymarket bettors put Martin’s chance of winning below 10%.
