- 25-year-old Maxwell Alejandro Frost won the Democrat primary for FL-10 in a shock victory against the Florida Democrat establishment
- Though polling indicated a healthy lead for Frost ahead of voting, skeptics remained doubtful that Frost would be able to overtake the name familiarity of opponents Randolph Bracy, Alan Grayson, and Corrine Brown
- When the race was called, Frost maintained 34 percent of the vote, nine percent higher than second place Bracy
- Frost will be a heavy favorite to win the general election in November, a win would make him the youngest member of Congress
Maxwell Alejandro Frost on Tuesday night was deemed victorious in the FL-10 Democrat Primary. In doing so, the Bernie Sanders-endorsed 25-year-old defeated former lawmakers Sen. Randolph Bracy, Rep. Alan Grayson, and Rep. Corrine Brown.
With 87 percent of the vote counted, Frost holds a nine-point lead over Bracy and will likely take over the Congressional seat formerly held by Democrat Senate nominee Val Demings.
At 25 years old, Frost would become the first Gen-Z member of Congress. Set to face Republican Calvin Wimbush in November, early polls favor Frost. FL-10 has been declared a ‘likely D’ district, holding a partisan lean of D+29.
“Maxwell ran on a bold platform of healthcare for all, ending gun violence, and creating good green jobs, and working families in the 10th District turned out to make sure he gets it done,” said Natalia Salgado, Director of Federal Affairs for the Working Families Party, who worked alongside Frost’s campaign. “Maxwell beat out more seasoned candidates because he isn’t just a politician. He’s 25-year-old Black, Latino community organizer who has already helped make a difference in the lives of Floridians by helping pass gun control, abortion rights, and voting rights laws. Frost is fighting for a Florida where everyone has what they need to live a good life. After years of instability and insecurity, voters want candidates they can trust to champion the type of concrete changes that will improve their everyday lives. Maxwell Frost is the fighter Florida’s 10th deserves.”
Frost himself was unavailable for comment following the calling of the race.
Through campaigning, Frost managed to raise $1.5 million in fundraising, far outpacing his party opponents. Frost’s platform largely aligns with the progressive movement, advocating for gun control, abortion access, and pushing for a Green New Deal.
Frost’s message resonated with big players in the Democratic party, picking up endorsements from the aforementioned Sanders, as well as former Presidential candidate Sen. Elizabeth Warren. Sen. Ed Markey extended an endorsement to Frost, as well as members of Congress Ro Khanna, Mondaire Jones, and Jamie Raskin.
Florida progressive wing Representatives Anna V. Eskamani and Carlos Guillermo Smith also endorsed Frost.
Maxwell Frost wins U.S. House Democratic primary in Florida's 10th congressional district, NBC News projects. https://t.co/ZAEIEGsp0S pic.twitter.com/idAiB6SsyD
— NBC News (@NBCNews) August 24, 2022
The victory could mark a shift in power among the Florida Democrat establishment. The trio of defeated former lawmakers accounts for more than three decades of experience as public officials.
Bracy emerged as an early favorite to win the primary but was quickly usurped by Frost’s campaign and its well-organized platform.