Republican Joe Strada has been projected the winner in Florida's 11th Congressional District, according to Decision Desk HQ, ensuring the GOP retains a seat it has long controlled. Strada, a small-business owner from Lake Mary, defeated Democrat James Pericola in the race to succeed retiring Rep. Daniel Webster (R-Fla.).
The Cook Political Report had rated the district as "solid Republican," and early returns reflected that advantage. With 51 percent of the vote counted by DDHQ as of 7:13 p.m. EST Tuesday, Strada led Pericola by nearly four points, 51.5 to 47.6 percent.
Strada's background is in the trades, not politics. He started working as a handyman during high school and went straight into the workforce after graduation. Through his HVAC, plumbing, and electric company, he says he has created thousands of jobs in the community.
His campaign website emphasizes his outsider status: "Joe is not seeking a career in politics," it reads. "He is running because Congress needs more people who have signed the front of a paycheck, built something real, and lived with the consequences of policies written far from the job site."
On the issues, Strada's platform includes investigating congressional stock trading, enacting term limits for lawmakers, and balancing the federal budget. He also backs the Make America Healthy Again movement, finishing President Trump's border wall, and passing election integrity legislation.
Strada, a husband, father, and grandfather, earned endorsements from several prominent Republicans, including Reps. Randy Fine (Fla.), Jim Jordan (Ohio), Steve Scalise (La.), and Tom Emmer (Minn.), as well as Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.).
The GOP's hold on the district was never seriously in doubt, but the race was part of a broader national landscape where redistricting battles have shaped the playing field. While Democrats saw some notable flips elsewhere, Florida's 11th remained safely in Republican hands.
