Results from Associated Press show U.S. Rep. Brian Mast, R-Fla., has won the Republican Primary against Rick Wiles for Florida's 21st Congressional District.
The race results show that Mast got around 85% of the votes, totaling almost 60,000 votes, with Wiles getting almost 10,000 votes.
WPTV Reporter Zitlali Solache spoke with Mast moments after his win.
“We fight for home. We fight for our waterways. We fight for the resources that our community needs," stated Mast. "That’s my job in Washington and I swing the bat as hard as I can every single day, and I think that’s what gets me over the line.”
Mast gathered with dozens of supporters at The Barn at Oleander to track the results. He said he's looking forward to a fifth term to serve Treasure Coast and Northern Palm Beach County.
U.S Republican congressman Brian Mast is seeking his fifth term as Florida's 21st congressional district. We’ll be tracking results this evening 🗳️ #primaryelections #Election2024 pic.twitter.com/PKKCtU3DXx
— Zitlali Solache (@zitlalisolache) August 20, 2024
Mast, who will face Thomas Witkop (D) in the November election, sent out a statement Tuesday night following the victory—
"Tonight's victory is an honor. Thank you again for allowing me to represent our community.
We’re seeing Democrats in Chicago this week spout off about an alternative reality that Floridians simply aren’t living: no mention of their wide open southern border, no mention of sky-high grocery and gas prices, and no mention of the fact that their defund the police policies have made America less safe. My vision for America is very different: low taxes, freedom, and America First in everything we do."
According to Mast's statement, he will be beginning the general election with more than $2 million on hand.
Mast's opponent in the race, Rick Wiles, is known to post highly controversial remarks on his platform TruNews such as antisemitic ideas and conspiracy theories about the 9/11 attacks. He said he first decided to run because Mast wore the Israeli Defense Force uniform after the attack on Israel last October.
WATCH: WPTV Reporter Ethan Stein talks to Rick Wiles at primary election watch party
Wiles told WPTV Reporter Ethan Stein he felt Mast being apart of the Israeli Defense Force was treasonous, and that he will likely continue pushing his beliefs on TruNews.
Check back at WPTV News as our reporters interview the candidates.
Election Results
