Mast Wins Sixth Term in Florida District 21
Republican Brian Mast secured another term representing Florida's House District 21 in the November 3 election, defeating Democrat James Martin and independent Alexander Cooke.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Elections
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Republican Brian Mast won a sixth congressional term representing Florida House District 21 in the November 3 election. He defeated Democrat James Martin and independent Alexander Cooke, and the results are final but unofficial.
Why it matters
The race was held under congressional maps redrawn this year by Florida's Republican-led Legislature, which gives the GOP a four-seat advantage in the state's delegation. The outcome keeps the seat in Republican hands under the new boundaries.
Brian Mast, 46, has held the seat since first being elected to Congress in 2016, while Democrat James Martin, 34, previously worked in the Office of the Vice President from 2021 to 2025. The official certification of the unofficial results is still pending.
The players
Brian Mast
Republican congressman who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Committee and has represented Florida's District 21 since 2016.
James Martin
Democratic candidate who previously served in the Office of the Vice President from 2021 to 2025.
The details
District 21 covers Martin and St. Lucie counties and northeastern Palm Beach County. Mast had no opposition in the August 18 Republican primary, while Martin won the Democratic primary over Bernard Taylor.
Timeline
2016: Mast first elected to Congress.
2021-2025: Martin works in the Office of the Vice President.
2022-2024: Cooke serves as Juno Beach mayor and council member.
August 18, 2026: Republican and Democratic primaries held.
November 3, 2026: General election won by Mast.
Roadmap
The election is the first test of Florida's 2026 congressional map, which Republicans redrew to gain four seats. Mast's win under the new boundaries shows the redraw's effect on the district's partisan balance.
Florida voters in District 21 will be represented by Brian Mast under the new congressional boundaries. The certification of the unofficial results will determine when the outcome becomes final.
The takeaway
Mast's reelection under Florida's redrawn map shows how boundary changes can shape which party holds a seat, even in a district Republicans already represented.
Further reading
Explore more coverage in Florida Elections for context on the state's congressional races.
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Do you think Florida's new congressional maps are fair to voters in your area?
