PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — Palm Beach County Commissioner and current Mayor Sara Baxter is leaving behind a competitive re-election campaign to pursue a seat in Congress, officially entering the race for Florida’s newly redrawn Congressional District 22.
Baxter announced Monday that she has filed federal paperwork to run in the Republican primary for CD 22, a newly configured district that stretches across portions of Palm Beach, Broward, Hendry, and Collier counties.
The move ends Baxter’s bid for another term on the Palm Beach County Commission, where she had emerged as the fundraising leader and secured the endorsement of President Donald Trump.
“Washington needs more fighters who are focused on delivering for their district,” Baxter said in announcing her campaign.
Baxter said her priorities include supporting President Trump’s agenda, strengthening border security, protecting election integrity, reducing taxes, cutting federal regulations, supporting agriculture, and defending Second Amendment rights.
A Rising Republican Figure
Baxter first won election to the Palm Beach County Commission in 2022 during a Republican wave election that helped strengthen GOP influence throughout Florida. She currently represents western Palm Beach County communities including Royal Palm Beach, Wellington, Loxahatchee Groves, Belle Glade, and the Glades region.
Before entering public office, Baxter worked in healthcare, taught middle school science, and spent time in the real estate industry.
Her departure leaves behind a competitive County Commission race where she had raised nearly $146,000, more than any other candidate seeking the District 6 seat.
Crowded Republican Primary Ahead
Baxter enters an increasingly crowded Republican field that already includes several candidates competing for the open seat.
Florida’s newly redrawn 22nd Congressional District is expected to become one of the state’s most closely watched congressional contests following recent redistricting changes.
Political observers will be watching closely to see whether President Trump eventually endorses a candidate in the Republican primary.
Ethics Complaint Previously Dismissed
Baxter’s congressional campaign also revives scrutiny surrounding a Palm Beach County ethics complaint filed in 2024.
The Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics previously found probable cause that Baxter failed to properly disclose certain gifts, including travel and attendance at high-profile events. The matter was ultimately dismissed after investigators concluded the reporting issue appeared to be inadvertent.
Baxter has maintained her focus on issues including government efficiency, tax relief, responsible growth, transportation improvements, and support for Florida agriculture.
Why It Matters
Baxter’s decision reshapes two important races at once.
Her departure creates a more competitive Palm Beach County Commission contest while adding another well-known Republican candidate to an already crowded congressional primary. The race will also serve as an early test of how Florida’s latest congressional map influences candidate recruitment and voter turnout ahead of the 2026 General Election.
