For too many South Florida residents, it feels like Washington has stopped listening. Congressional leadership, once rooted in community connection, now seems preoccupied with partisan priorities and national stage politics. However, Michael Carbonara, a Republican candidate for Florida’s 25th district, aims to change that.
Carbonara is running on a clear promise: to bring real-world experience and community-first values to Congress. His campaign is less about political maneuvering and more about serving the actual people who live, work, and raise families in South Florida.
Disconnected Leadership in South Florida
Carbonara believes voters in the 25th district have been underserved by a system that too often rewards incumbency over impact. His opponent, longtime Democratic Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, has held office for decades, but Carbonara argues her leadership has grown distant from the daily struggles of local families.
“I’m not running to be part of Washington, I’m running to change it,” Michael Carbonara explains. “We need fewer insiders and more builders who know how to fix what’s broken and make systems work for people again.”
For him, that means ending the era of political entitlement and refocusing on public service.
A Local-First Agenda
From the rising cost of housing to ongoing infrastructure issues, Carbonara is focused on solutions tailored to South Florida’s unique challenges. His agenda prioritizes affordable housing, small business support, and improvements to public services like transportation and storm resilience.
These are not national talking points; they’re the concerns he hears repeatedly from constituents across the district. And unlike some career politicians, Carbonara doesn’t just nod politely and move on. He takes notes, follows up, and develops policy ideas grounded in what he has learned firsthand.
Rejecting Political Entitlement
Carbonara’s challenge to Wasserman Schultz is about more than party affiliation. It’s a call for accountability. He rejects the notion that elected office should be held for decades without real progress, arguing that every term should be an opportunity to earn voter trust all over again.
He brings a sense of urgency to the campaign, pressing for a culture shift where service, not status, defines congressional leadership.
Bringing Real-World Experience to Washington
Michael Carbonara didn’t rise through the political ranks. He built his career in the private sector, founding companies in complex industries such as fintech, cryptocurrency, and genetics. His experience includes navigating complex regulatory environments and creating jobs, rather than drafting press releases.
That hands-on knowledge gives him a different perspective from most in Washington. When he talks about housing shortages or small business struggles, he’s speaking from lived experience, not polling data.
Restoring Two-Way Communication
A core part of Carbonara’s platform is his commitment to staying accessible and accountable once in office. He plans to hold regular town halls, host community forums, and maintain open lines of communication online and in person.
Michael Carbonara wants voters to feel like their voice doesn’t vanish after Election Day. He views representation as a relationship, not a transaction.
Rebuilding Trust, One Conversation at a Time
As the 2026 midterms approach, Carbonara is inviting South Florida voters to expect more, not just in campaign promises, but in daily performance. His goal is to bring back a model of leadership that is visible, engaged, and accountable.
“I hope everybody steps in, because it’s not just me running the race,” Carbonara says. “I’m representing the people of this district, and I want to win this race for the people.”
For him, this campaign is about proving that politics can work again, if the right people show up for the right reasons.