Franzese Launches Rematch Bid for Congress in Trump's Home District

PALM BEACH, Fla. – January 15, 2026 – Republican businessman Dan Franzese officially launched his second campaign for the U.S. House of Representatives today, setting the stage for a potential rematch against incumbent Democrat Lois Frankel in Florida's 22nd Congressional District—a district notable for being the home of President Donald J. Trump.

Running on what his campaign describes as a platform of "affordability, accountability, and conservative values," Franzese is positioning himself as an 'America First' candidate aiming to build on the momentum from his 2024 bid. "Florida needs leaders who know how to build, manage, and deliver results, not just talk about them," Franzese stated in his announcement. "I've spent my life creating jobs, balancing budgets, and solving problems."

A Rematch in a Politically Charged District

This announcement signals a renewed challenge in a district that has been reliably Democratic for years. In the 2024 election cycle, Franzese secured the Republican nomination after winning a competitive three-way primary with a decisive 53% of the vote. He went on to face Frankel in the general election, ultimately losing with 45% of the vote to Frankel's nearly 55%. Despite the 10-point margin, Franzese's performance was widely regarded as the most formidable challenge mounted against Frankel, a long-serving figure in South Florida politics.

Frankel, who is also running for re-election, has a deep-rooted history in the region. Her career includes 14 years in the Florida House of Representatives, where she became the first woman to serve as Democratic Minority Leader, followed by two terms as the Mayor of West Palm Beach. In Congress, she is a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee and currently chairs the Democratic Women's Caucus. Her consistent electoral victories underscore the challenges any Republican challenger faces in this district. The 2026 race will test whether Franzese can close the gap from his previous attempt.

The 'America First' Platform Meets Main Street Concerns

Franzese, an honors graduate of Amherst College with an MBA from the Wharton School of Business, is leaning heavily on his decades-long career in finance and investment management. He frames his professional background as a key differentiator, promising to bring fiscal discipline to Washington. "In Congress, I will focus on affordability, responsible governance, and policies that strengthen Florida families and our local economy," he said.

His policy platform directly targets key conservative priorities and pressing economic issues. To tackle inflation, he advocates for increased domestic energy production and an end to government deficit spending. On border security, he aligns with the 'America First' agenda, supporting the construction of a border wall and providing more resources to law enforcement.

Crucially, his platform is also tailored to the district's specific demographics. Florida's 22nd District has a significant senior population, with over 20% of residents aged 65 or older. Franzese has made protecting Social Security and Medicare a central tenet of his campaign, vowing to fight against any cuts and proposing an end to the taxation of Social Security benefits. This focus on the financial well-being of seniors, combined with his broader message on economic affordability, aims to resonate with voters on fixed incomes who are concerned about rising costs.

The Trump Factor in Florida's 22nd

The political landscape of Florida's 22nd is uniquely influenced by its most famous resident, President Donald J. Trump, whose Mar-a-Lago estate is within the district's boundaries. Franzese received Trump's endorsement in 2024, with the former president praising him as a leader who "understands how to grow the economy, lower taxes, and eliminate government waste."

Franzese continues to embrace this alignment, stating, "With President Trump leading our nation, Florida needs strong partners in Congress who will help advance policies that deliver real results."

The power of a Trump endorsement in Florida's Republican primaries is well-documented. In the 2024 cycle, Trump-backed candidates won 85% of their primary races in the state, a figure that far exceeds national averages. However, the 22nd district presents a more complex challenge in a general election. The Cook Partisan Voter Index (PVI) rates the district as D+4, meaning it leans Democratic. Yet, recent trends suggest a potential shift. In the 2024 presidential election, Kamala Harris won Palm Beach County by less than one percentage point, a sign of growing Republican strength even in traditionally blue areas of South Florida. Franzese's campaign appears poised to test whether the combination of a strong 'America First' message and the former president's home-turf influence can overcome the district's Democratic leanings.

The Lay of the Land: Demographics and Primary Outlook

The campaign will unfold across a diverse and entirely urban district that includes West Palm Beach, Boynton Beach, and Delray Beach. Its demographic makeup includes a population that is 48% non-Hispanic White, 28% Hispanic, and 17% Black. The district is also home to one of the largest Jewish-American populations in the country, making candidates' stances on U.S.-Israel relations a critical issue. Franzese has adopted a staunchly pro-Israel position, advocating for continued security assistance and building on the Abraham Accords.

While the general election rematch between Franzese and Frankel seems likely, Franzese must first navigate the Republican primary scheduled for August 18, 2026. He currently faces at least one other declared challenger, David Burck, for the party's nomination. His decisive primary victory in 2024 suggests he enters the race as a strong frontrunner, but the early contest will be the first test of his campaign's organization and message.

Franzese's campaign launch frames the election as a choice between his results-oriented business background and the established political order. "This campaign is about results, not rhetoric," he added. "Floridians deserve a representative who understands their lives, respects their values, and knows how to get things done." As the 2026 midterms approach, the race for Florida's 22nd Congressional District is shaping up to be a closely watched contest, serving as a barometer for the political currents in a key Florida battleground.