A.G. Gancarski
Another election cycle brings another August challenge to U.S. Rep. John Rutherford of Florida’s 5th Congressional District.
This time around, it’s someone with some name recognition.
Podcaster and radio host Mark Kaye is officially running. He says that if the House flips to Democratic control next November, Republicans need stronger voices than that of the four-term Congressman and three-term Jacksonville Sheriff.
“We’re going to need a loud, combative conservative to fight, fight, fight every single day. John Rutherford is not that guy. I am,” Kaye said.
Rutherford has nearly $270,000 in cash on hand. While Kaye may not match his fundraising, he said “donations are pouring in from across the country,” and expects to “lean heavily on grassroots energy, digital outreach, and the loyal support of thousands of his listeners called ‘Kayetriots’ across Florida and beyond.”
The incumbent has faced Primaries consistently.
In 2022 and 2024, he got roughly 2/3 of the vote against conservative populist Mara Macie.
The district, which includes some of Duval and St. Johns counties, is designed for a Republican win in any General Election, with more than 250,000 GOP registrants and fewer than 145,000 Democrats.
We reached out to Rutherford for response, but no comment as of yet.
3 comments
DuvalGOP
June 12, 2025 at 2:43 pm
That would be “former” talk radio host Mark Kaye as he was fired last year.
Once again, A. G. fails to do his homework.
Nancy Cleaveland
June 12, 2025 at 5:29 pm
The author of the above comment, portrayed as DuvalGOP, is not affiliated with the Duval GOP and has no authority to speak on behalf of the Republican Party of Duval County. Please remove the comment immediately.
Sincerely,
Nancy Cleaveland, General Counsel to the
Republican Party of Duval County / Duval GOP
MH/Duuuval
June 12, 2025 at 8:04 pm
No need to bring on the clowns, they’re already settler here in high places — the more to show themselves.