Anna Paulina Luna

The overhaul, backed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, preserves the region’s strong GOP lean while reshaping boundaries in ways critics say dilute Democratic voting power, particularly in St. Petersburg and other urban areas.

The redrawn congressional district lines that Gov. Ron DeSantis will soon sign into law are intended to help Republicans pick up as many as four U.S. House seats in November.

Republican William Robert Braddock III ran against U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna during 2021 primary for the 13th Congressional District. He threatened to have Luna murdered by a “Russian-Ukrainian hit squad."

GOP incumbent U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, who defeated Democrat Whitney Fox, said her first priority for her next term would be securing the southern U.S. border.

One poll shows first-time District 13 incumbent Republican Anna Paulina Luna is in a dead heat with Pinellas challenger Whitney Fox.

The redrawing of the district made it more favorable for Republicans. Luna lost the seat to Crist in 2020, when the district favored Democrats.

Crist stepped down from his 13th District seat effective the end of the day Wednesday. He is looking to unseat Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Several incumbents won easily, including Republicans Vern Buchanan and Gus Bilirakis.