With just two precincts left to report in Palm Beach County, James T. Martin is topping Bernard Taylor in the Democratic primary in the U.S. House race in Florida’s 21st Congressional District.
Martin led with more than 2,000 votes, 13,709 to 11,063.
The winner will face incumbent U.S. Rep. Brian Mast, who had no challengers in the Republican primary, in the Nov. 3 election.
Alexander Cooke is a candidate under “no party affiliation” (NPA), which doesn’t have primaries.
District 21 covers all of Martin and St. Lucie counties plus the northeastern portion of Palm Beach County, which includes parts of The Acreage, Tequesta, Jupiter, Jupiter Farms, Jupiter Inlet Colony, Juno Beach, Juno Ridge, Cabana Colony, North Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Palm Beach Shores, Riviera Beach, Westlake and West Palm Beach.
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Martin, 33, from Hobe Sound, is a U.S. Coast Guard officer and former White House national security official in the Office of the Vice President.
His campaign priorities included addressing the cost-of-living crisis, tackling water quality issues on the Treasure Coast and in Northern Palm Beach County, and rooting out corruption and the influence of money in politics.
He said reducing costs for families requires addressing property insurance and health insurance affordability, while environmental priorities include completing the Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir, improving the health of Lake Okeechobee and the St. Lucie Estuary, and defending environmental protections.
Taylor, 37, from southwest Palm Beach County, is a firefighter and paramedic with Palm Beach County Fire Rescue who previously served with Polk County Fire Rescue and worked in emergency medical services.
His campaign priorities included improving affordability, strengthening public safety, protecting the environment and restoring trust in government.
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He said he would work to lower healthcare and prescription drug costs, support Medicare and Social Security, advocate for first responders, veterans and law enforcement, and invest in disaster preparedness and emergency services.
He also supports protecting the Everglades and local waterways, promoting sustainable growth, and pursuing immigration reforms that secure the border while providing legal pathways that strengthen the workforce and economy.
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A closer look at the Democratic candidates for U.S. House District 21
U.S. House District 21 candidate James Martin, Democrat
James Martin, 33, from Hobe Sound, is a U.S. Coast Guard officer, former White House national security official in the Office of the Vice President, and a candidate for Congress. He holds a master’s degree in Defense and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College and a bachelor’s degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.
His campaign priorities include addressing the cost-of-living crisis, tackling water quality issues on the Treasure Coast and in Northern Palm Beach County, and rooting out corruption and the influence of money in politics. He said reducing costs for families requires addressing property insurance and health insurance affordability, while environmental priorities include completing the Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir, improving the health of Lake Okeechobee and the St. Lucie Estuary, and defending environmental protections.
When asked in a Palm Beach Post questionnaire why voters should choose him, he replied:
“Third, unlike all the other candidates in this race who moved to the district within the last decade, in some instances with the singular goal of running for public office, I am a fourth-generation Martin County local and a proud product of Martin County public schools. I have a vested interest in the outcome of this race that is not tied to personal gain.”
“I am running for this office because I am a patriot and I love my home (I am a proud fourth-generation local). I know that if we do not make a change, the opportunities available for my two little girls are not going to be the same ones I had growing up, and that’s the case for tens of thousands of children across the Treasure Coast and Northern Palm Beaches. I am a firm believer in the phrase, ‘if you can do something about it, you should,’ and when I saw my congressman more focused on playing D.C. parlor games and toeing his party line than addressing the problems facing people across the district, I felt strongly that I had the right background, training and experience to not only win, but to deliver results for the hardworking folks across the district.
“First, this is not the first time I would be serving the Treasure Coast. One of the unique aspects of my operational military career is that while it took me all over the world, I also was able to serve in my hometown. From 2018 to 2020, the ships I commanded protected South Florida’s maritime border.
“Second, I am the only candidate in this race with substantive policy experience and, given the fraught state of the world and our country, we need leaders who are ready to hit the ground running on day one. The halls of Congress are not a place to sharpen your policy acumen or find your moral compass.
U.S. House District 21 candidate Bernard Taylor, Democrat
Bernard Taylor, 37, from southwest Palm Beach County, is a firefighter and paramedic with Palm Beach County Fire Rescue who previously served with Polk County Fire Rescue and worked in emergency medical services. He attended Livingstone College and received firefighter and EMT certification from McFatter Technical Institute.
His campaign priorities include improving affordability, strengthening public safety, protecting the environment and restoring trust in government. He said he would work to lower healthcare and prescription drug costs, support Medicare and Social Security, advocate for first responders, veterans and law enforcement, and invest in disaster preparedness and emergency services. He also supports protecting the Everglades and local waterways, promoting sustainable growth, and pursuing immigration reforms that secure the border while providing legal pathways that strengthen the workforce and economy.
When asked in a Palm Beach Post questionnaire why voters should choose him, he replied:
“Voters should choose me because I offer proven leadership, real-world experience, and an unwavering commitment to serving the people, not political interests. As a firefighter and paramedic, I have spent my career protecting lives, solving problems under pressure, and making decisions based on what is best for the community. That same servant-leadership approach will guide me in Congress.
“I am focused on delivering practical solutions to lower the cost of living, improve access to affordable healthcare, strengthen public safety, protect Florida’s environment, support veterans and first responders, and create opportunities for working families and small businesses. I believe government should be transparent, accountable, and responsive to the people it serves.
“Unlike career politicians, I bring firsthand experience serving my community every day and understand the challenges families face because I live them too. I will work with anyone, Republican, Democrat, or Independent, who is willing to put the interests of our district ahead of partisan politics.
“My commitment is simple: to listen, lead with integrity, and fight for the people of this district every single day.”
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This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: US House 21 Democratic primary: James Martin wins, faces Brian Mast
Reporting by Palm Beach Post / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Palm Beach Post | USA TODAY Network
