Mike Waltz vs. John Grow: A Clash in Florida’s Republican Primary

In a head-to-head matchup set for the upcoming Republican primary in Florida, two very different candidates are vying for the party’s nod. On one side, we have U.S. Rep. Mike Waltz, a well-known figure with three terms under his belt and a spot on Fox News as a commentator. On the other side, we have John Grow, a name that might not ring a bell for many voters.

Grow, who hails from Palm Coast, acknowledges the uphill battle he faces in this election. Despite being fully aware of the steep odds, he believes that it’s essential to introduce new ideas to tackle America’s problems. “If we don’t stand up to say we’ve got to start thinking differently, we can’t solve tomorrow’s problems with the thinking that we used to get into them today,” Grow stated.

Waltz, who has garnered significant attention for his recent roles, including speaking at the Republican National Convention and working on a House task force regarding a high-profile assassination attempt, is considered a strong frontrunner. He has also secured about $1.5 million more in campaign funding compared to his opponent, a factor in his expected success.

On the flip side, Grow, a 63-year-old software engineer, is running a campaign focusing on reforming the federal system that he feels has shifted too much power to bureaucrats. He expressed particular discontent over Waltz’s recent vote to certify the 2020 election results and indicated this was a major motivation for his candidacy.

Despite previous court challenges falling short of proving widespread fraud, Grow criticized Waltz’s decision on January 7, 2021, to vote for certification. “I would have said there’s enough questions about what went on, particularly in Georgia, that we can take a few days, whatever it is, to just make sure that when we say this was the most fair election ever, that we are in fact correct,” he commented.

While Grow emphasizes that he isn’t running a campaign based on attacking Waltz, he suggests they differ on military issues. Waltz has generally supported U.S. involvement abroad, whereas Grow wants to see less engagement in foreign conflicts.

Furthermore, Grow is against the reauthorization of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, a measure that Waltz has supported. He also raises concerns about the growth of the federal government and believes in promoting transparency and accountability.

In contrast, Waltz, a 27-year veteran of the Army and the first Green Beret elected to Congress, is known for his strong military stance and commitments to legislation aimed at addressing security and immigration.

The Republican primary winner will face off against Democrat James David Stockton III, a pastor from Ocala, on November 5, cementing the stakes of this upcoming election.