Loading this candidate’s profile from the FEC filings and campaign records.
Where They Stand is a nonpartisan guide to everyone running for Congress: their money, their own words and how incumbents voted. Find your ballot →
Candidates › FL-19 race › 2025–2026
Victor Arias
D Democratic nominee for U.S. House, FL-19
Has not served in Congress
- On the ballot
- On the general election ballotNov 3, 2026 · Florida US House 19
- Where to vote
- Find your polling place (opens in a new tab) · More ways to vote
- Top priorities
- Unifying
- Negotiating
- Improving
- Transforming
- Yielding
- Money
- $70K raised, $54.6K spent, $15.4K cash on hand (through Oct 14, 2026). Where it comes from
- Who gives
- 30% of individual money from donors at $200 or less · 93% from Florida
- Backed by
- Democratic Environmental Caucus · Progressives of the Islands. As the campaign lists them
5 priorities from ariasforcongress.us, in the order they are listed there. Every heading and the text under it is copied exactly, as one passage for each page it is from, and links to that place on the page; hover a source to see which passage it opens.
5 PILLARS + 1 MISSION ↗ (opens ariasforcongress.us at this heading)
Lowering grocery prices, advocating against corporate price gouging, and creating affordable housing so SWFL workers can live where they work.
source ↗ (opens the page at this passage) · ariasforcongress.us
Unifying Our Community ↗ (opens ariasforcongress.us/issues/unifying at this heading)
"Bringing our families and businesses together with supportive strategies to preserve our Southwest Florida community for ALL."
Back to HomeSouthwest Florida is one of the most diverse and dynamic communities in the country. In FL-19, we are home to families from every background — longtime residents, military veterans, retirees, small business owners, and newcomers who chose this region for its beauty and opportunity. Our strength lies in that diversity.
But too often, Washington politics divide us instead of bringing us together. Victor believes that the people of Lee, Collier, and Charlotte counties have far more in common than the political establishment wants us to believe. When a hurricane hits, we don't ask our neighbors which party they belong to — we help each other.
As a community leader who has served on the boards of organizations like the United Way of SWFL, Children's Network of SWFL, and Suncoast Credit Union, Victor has spent decades unifying across differences to get things done for our community.
"When a hurricane hits, we don't ask our neighbors which party they belong to — we help each other. That's the spirit I'll bring to Congress."
Victor's Commitments ↗ (opens ariasforcongress.us/issues/unifying at this heading)
- Support small businesses with access to capital, reduced regulatory burden, and workforce training programs tailored to SWFL industries.
- Protect SWFL families from rising costs of living by fighting for affordable housing and fair wages.
- Invest in infrastructure that connects our communities — from roads and bridges to broadband and public transit.
- Ensure every family in FL-19 has access to quality public education and after-school programs.
"Unifying means showing up — in living rooms, restaurants, and community centers — to listen before we legislate."
source ↗ (opens the page at this passage) · ariasforcongress.us/issues/unifying
Heading as listed on ariasforcongress.us ↗ (opens ariasforcongress.us at this heading)
Working across the aisle to pass infrastructure funding for roads, bridges, broadband, and hurricane disaster preparedness for FL-19.
source ↗ (opens the page at this passage) · ariasforcongress.us
Negotiating Bi-Partisan Reform ↗ (opens ariasforcongress.us/issues/negotiating at this heading)
"Delivering across the aisle for bi-partisan reform that actually delivers infrastructure and resources to FL-19."
Back to HomeAs a trial attorney for over 35 years, Victor has built his career on one skill above all others: negotiation. In the courtroom, you don't win by shouting louder — you win by knowing your case, understanding the other side, and finding the path to the best outcome for your client.
That's the approach Victor will bring to Washington. FL-19 is a diverse district with voters across the political spectrum. The people here don't want more partisan gridlock — they want results. They want infrastructure that doesn't crumble, a VA system that actually serves veterans, and a government that works as hard as they do.
Victor's experience on the Suncoast Credit Union Board — including D.C. advocacy trips — has given him firsthand experience navigating federal policy discussions and building consensus with people who don't always agree.
"In the courtroom, you don't win by shouting louder — you win by knowing your case and finding the best path forward. That's what I'll do in Congress."
- Work with members of both parties to pass legislation that directly benefits Southwest Florida.
- Prioritize infrastructure investment — roads, bridges, flood protection, and broadband for FL-19.
- Fight for federal disaster preparedness and recovery funding for our hurricane-prone coast.
- Advocate for criminal justice reform that keeps communities safe while ensuring fairness.
"Real reform happens when you sit across the table from someone who disagrees with you and find the common ground. That's what 35 years has taught me."
source ↗ (opens the page at this passage) · ariasforcongress.us/issues/negotiating
Heading as listed on ariasforcongress.us ↗ (opens ariasforcongress.us at this heading)
Securing federal funding for Everglades restoration, combating red tide at the source, and protecting our $3.2B tourism economy.
source ↗ (opens the page at this passage) · ariasforcongress.us
Improving Our Environment & Economy ↗ (opens ariasforcongress.us/issues/improving at this heading)
"Improving water quality, fighting red tide at the source, and protecting our local economy, tourism, and jobs."
Back to HomeOur environment is our economy. In Southwest Florida, clean water isn't just an environmental issue — it's an economic lifeline. Red tide events cost our region $164 million or more per event in lost tourism revenue, shuttered businesses, and declining property values.
The Caloosahatchee River, our Gulf beaches, the Everglades — these aren't abstract conservation topics. They are the reason people visit, move to, and stay in FL-19.
Victor has lived in the region for over 27 years. He's seen the damage — the dead fish lining Fort Myers Beach, the green slime on the Caloosahatchee, the "Do Not Swim" signs that cost our tourism industry millions. He's running to fight for federal investment in water quality at the source, not just cleanup after the damage is done.
"Our Gulf beaches, our waterways, our Everglades — they aren't abstract conservation topics. They're our livelihood, our home, and our legacy."
Victor's Commitments ↗ (opens ariasforcongress.us/issues/improving at this heading)
- Fight for full federal funding of Everglades restoration and Lake Okeechobee discharge reform.
- Support research funding to combat red tide and protect our $3.2 billion tourism economy.
- Support affordable housing initiatives so workers in our hospitality and service industries can live where they work.
- Lower grocery prices and cost of living by addressing supply chain bottlenecks and corporate price gouging.
"Clean water isn't a partisan issue. It's about the future of our community, our tourism economy, and the health of our families."
"Real change starts with the people who have been doing the work in our community for decades. I've listened to learn from them and to fight for the issues we share."
source ↗ (opens the page at this passage) · ariasforcongress.us/issues/improving
Heading as listed on ariasforcongress.us ↗ (opens ariasforcongress.us at this heading)
Expanding Medicare drug price negotiation, capping out-of-pocket prescription costs, and ending surprise medical billing for our seniors.
source ↗ (opens the page at this passage) · ariasforcongress.us
Transforming Healthcare ↗ (opens ariasforcongress.us/issues/transforming at this heading)
"Transforming healthcare by fixing Medicare and capping affordable prescription medications for our seniors."
Back to HomeIn FL-19, 45% of residents are over 55. Many are seniors who moved to Southwest Florida for the sunshine — but they're being squeezed by rising healthcare costs, prescription drug prices, and threats to the Medicare they paid into through a lifetime of work.
Victor has seen this up close. As a personal injury attorney for over 35 years, he has represented clients navigating a healthcare system that too often prioritizes profits over patients. He's seen families declare bankruptcy after medical bills, hospitals that are unaccountable, and a prescription drug market where the same medication costs ten times more here than in Canada or Europe.
Our seniors deserve better. They paid into Medicare their entire working lives. And they deserve to enjoy it, not fear for it — not gutted, not auctioned off to the highest bidder.
"Our system told Ms. Sullivan that while visiting Texas, the doctor is there for her — I wouldn't call that healthcare."
Victor's Commitments ↗ (opens ariasforcongress.us/issues/transforming at this heading)
- Protect Medicare and Medicaid — oppose any efforts to cut benefits or increase the eligibility age.
- Support Medicare's ability to negotiate prescription drug prices and cap out-of-pocket costs.
- Fight for rural and underserved FL-19 communities with expanded access to healthcare providers.
- Support community health centers and mobile healthcare services for underserved areas of FL-19.
"Healthcare isn't a privilege, it's a right. Our seniors and families shouldn't have to choose between medicine and another necessity."
source ↗ (opens the page at this passage) · ariasforcongress.us/issues/transforming
Heading as listed on ariasforcongress.us ↗ (opens ariasforcongress.us at this heading)
Slashing VA red tape, expanding healthcare access, and ensuring 60,000+ FL-19 veterans receive the benefits they earned through service.
source ↗ (opens the page at this passage) · ariasforcongress.us
Yielding for Our Veterans ↗ (opens ariasforcongress.us/issues/yielding at this heading)
"Yielding a reduction in 'red tape' to secure benefits for the 60,000+ veterans who call FL-19 home."
Back to HomeSouthwest Florida is home to more than 60,000 veterans — men and women who served our nation and chose to build their lives here. They earned their benefits through sacrifice, and they shouldn't have to fight a bureaucratic war at home to access what they've been promised.
Yet too many of our veterans face months-long waits for VA healthcare appointments, mountains of paperwork for disability claims, and a system that seems designed to wear them down rather than lift them up. Victor has met with veteran families across FL-19 who are frustrated, exhausted, and feel forgotten by the system they served.
As an attorney who has spent his career cutting through bureaucratic obstacles on behalf of his clients, Victor understands how to navigate complex systems — and how to reform them. He's running to be the advocate in Congress who fights to streamline VA services, expand access to healthcare, and ensure every veteran in FL-19 gets the support they've earned.
"Our veterans earned their benefits through sacrifice. They shouldn't have to fight a bureaucratic war at home to access what they've been promised."
Victor's Commitments ↗ (opens ariasforcongress.us/issues/yielding at this heading)
- Slash red tape at the VA — streamline disability claims processing and reduce wait times for benefits.
- Expand VA healthcare access in SWFL — more providers, shorter wait times, and better mental health services.
- Protect veteran housing benefits and expand programs that help veterans transition to civilian homeownership.
- Support veteran-owned small businesses with access to federal contracting opportunities and SBA resources.
"60,000 veterans call FL-19 home. They served us — now it's time we serve them by closing the gap between them and their earned benefits."
source ↗ (opens the page at this passage) · ariasforcongress.us/issues/yielding
Heading as listed on ariasforcongress.us ↗ (opens ariasforcongress.us at this heading)