Thomas Chalifoux leads the August 18, 2026, Republican primary for Florida’s 9th Congressional District with strong trader support, reflecting his substantial fundraising edge—over $2 million raised, largely through personal loans—and prior victory in the 2024 GOP primary. The newly redrawn district, which now leans more Republican following state legislative action, has drawn a field that includes Marcus Carter, Jorge Malavet, Howard Steven Rance, and Justin Story, though the latter candidates report far lower cash on hand. Chalifoux’s established campaign infrastructure and name recognition from the previous cycle position him ahead of less-funded challengers in a primary decided by Republican voters across Osceola and southern Orange counties.