Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) is flexing her political muscle beyond her own House seat, hitting the campaign trail and backing Republican candidates in contests across the country during the monthlong August recess.
Luna has issued a slew of endorsements this cycle, wading into competitive general elections, open-seat primaries, and even races pitting fellow Republicans against one another. She has campaigned alongside Reps. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI), Scott Perry (R-PA), and Tim Burchett (R-TN) and has a rally planned with Republican candidate Catalina Lauf later this week in Naples, Florida.
“These races will decide the future of Congress, and we need strong fighters who will stand up to the corruption in Washington, not add to it,” Luna told the Washington Examiner. “The momentum across the nation is exciting, voters are ready to defend their country from these crazy radicals who are trying to take over.”
Both Van Orden and Perry have secured the GOP nomination for their seats, each of which is considered a “toss up” by the nonpartisan Cook Political Report.
“It was great joining @derrickvanorden on the campaign trail today in WI,” Luna posted on X. “Grassroots wins elections! Get out and VOTE this election cycle!”
Van Orden expressed his excitement to have Luna campaign with him anytime, adding “you know you have a standing invitation, my friend.”
But Luna’s involvement extends beyond vulnerable incumbents. On Wednesday, Luna also endorsed Ben Butler in the crowded GOP primary for Florida’s 9th Congressional District. The seat, currently held by Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL), was made significantly more friendly to Republicans after mid-decade redistricting.
Luna is also backing Lauf for the GOP nomination for Florida’s 19th Congressional District, which is open as incumbent Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) is running for governor.
The congresswoman also appeared with Burchett, who is rumored to be a potential replacement if Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) wins the governorship this year. Burchett joined Luna in Florida earlier this month at the Community Bible Baptist Church.
And Luna isn’t limiting herself to helping Republicans win seats, she’s also picking sides in the GOP’s internal fights. Last week, Luna endorsed Ryan Elijah, the primary challenger to Rep. Cory Mills (R-FL). Mills is facing a House ethics investigation amid allegations of domestic violence, stolen valor, and financial impropriety.
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Luna’s expanding footprint on the campaign trail comes as she has repeatedly demonstrated a willingness to use her influence on Capitol Hill as well.
This Congress, Luna has been at the center of legislative fights over a congressional stock trading ban, proxy voting for parents, the SAVE America Act, and releasing the Epstein files.