BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. — Turning Point Action has endorsed Republican Catalina Lauf in Florida’s 19th Congressional District primary, adding another prominent conservative endorsement as candidates enter the final days before the Aug. 18 election.
Turning Point Action lists Lauf among its endorsed 2026 congressional candidates, identifying her as a candidate for Florida’s 19th Congressional District.
Lauf announced the endorsement Tuesday on X, saying she was honored to receive the organization’s support and pledging to continue fighting for the conservative movement.
The endorsement comes at a pivotal point in the sprawling Republican primary to replace U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, who is leaving the House as he campaigns for Florida governor.
Endorsement follows signs of Lauf momentum
Turning Point Action’s backing comes as Lauf has shown significant movement in recent polling.
A recent Victory Insights poll showed Lauf nearly tied with Jim Schwartzel, marking a substantial improvement from earlier polling in the race.
The survey found Schwartzel at 20.2% and Lauf at 18.9%, while approximately a quarter of likely Republican primary voters remained undecided.
The movement was significant for Lauf, who had registered about 5% support in a June Victory Insights survey.
Another recent survey from Cygnal also placed Lauf at or near the front of the field, adding evidence that the contest remains fluid heading into Election Day.
Turning Point Action also backed John Strand
The endorsement comes with an unusual wrinkle.
Turning Point Action previously endorsed John Strand, another Republican competing for the CD-19 nomination.
The organization’s endorsement list now includes Lauf, while Strand has also campaigned on receiving Turning Point Action’s support.
That means the conservative organization has effectively backed more than one candidate competing for the same Republican nomination.
The situation underscores the unusual dynamics of a primary that has attracted a large field of candidates seeking to succeed Donalds in one of Southwest Florida’s most closely watched congressional contests.
Lauf adds congressional endorsements
Turning Point Action is not the only conservative support Lauf has picked up during the closing stretch.
Republican U.S. Reps. Greg Steube and Kat Cammack recently endorsed Lauf, giving her support from two members of Florida’s congressional delegation as candidates compete for conservative voters in the final days of the campaign.
The endorsements arrive as candidates and outside groups pour resources into the race.
Several candidates have spent heavily on television advertising, mail and digital campaigning, while outside groups have also entered the contest with advertisements attacking some of the leading contenders.
Lauf herself has been targeted by a super PAC criticizing her Illinois political background as the battle over candidates’ ties to Florida becomes part of the closing argument to Republican voters.
Crowded field battles to succeed Donalds
Florida’s 19th Congressional District covers parts of Southwest Florida, including portions of Lee and Collier counties.
The open seat has attracted an unusually crowded Republican field following Donalds’ decision to run for governor rather than seek another term in Congress.
With no incumbent on the ballot and multiple candidates competing for the same conservative electorate, polling has shown substantial volatility throughout the campaign.
Schwartzel and Lauf have emerged near the top of recent surveys, but the large number of undecided voters and candidates makes the outcome difficult to predict.
The Republican nominee will be chosen Tuesday, Aug. 18.
The closing stretch comes as Florida voters head into the final days of the 2026 primary, with congressional races across the state competing for attention and turnout.
For Lauf, Turning Point Action’s endorsement gives her another prominent conservative organization to highlight as she attempts to convert recent polling momentum into votes.
With days remaining before the primary, however, the combination of a crowded ballot and a sizable undecided electorate leaves Florida’s CD-19 Republican nomination unsettled.
Related Coverage
New Poll Shows Catalina Lauf Surging Into Dead Heat With Jim Schwartzel in Florida CD-19
https://thefloridapundit.com/2026/08/09/catalina-lauf-jim-schwartzel-fl19-poll/
Florida Primary Voting Enters Critical Stretch Ahead of Aug. 18 Election
https://thefloridapundit.com/2026/08/04/florida-primary-voting-2026/
Florida Elections 2026: Candidates, Polls and Election News
https://thefloridapundit.com/florida-elections-2026/
📬 Get Florida Politics Delivered to Your Inbox
Stay informed with The Florida Pundit’s coverage of Florida elections, campaigns, government and political developments.
