News Summary
Former Jacksonville radio host Mark Kaye has launched his campaign for Florida’s 5th Congressional District, challenging Republican incumbent John Rutherford. Kaye’s campaign focuses on criticism of both major parties, advocating for free speech and small businesses while addressing perceived neglect from elected officials. He aims to build grassroots support ahead of the GOP primary, countering Rutherford’s incumbency with a strong digital outreach strategy. As the primary approaches, Kaye’s unique media background could influence voter engagement in this key contest.
Jacksonville, Florida – Former Jacksonville radio host Mark Kaye has officially launched his campaign for the U.S. House of Representatives in Florida’s 5th Congressional District, aiming to challenge Republican incumbent John Rutherford in the GOP primary set for August 18, 2026. Kaye announced his candidacy through a YouTube video that included various memes and drew attention to his grassroots approach to politics.
Kaye’s campaign is centered on criticisms of both major political parties, highlighting a perceived neglect of the public interest by elected officials. He has expressed concern that members of Congress are not serving their constituents effectively and has positioned himself as a champion for free speech rights and small businesses. Additionally, he aims to combat what he describes as “Big Tech” censorship, emphasizing transparency and accountability in government.
In his announcement, Kaye pointed out several alleged shortcomings of Congressman John Rutherford, who has been in office since 2017. Kaye labeled Rutherford an “absentee congressman,” accusing him of failing to engage with constituents and not holding any town hall meetings in the past decade. Kaye criticized Rutherford for seemingly prioritizing legislation that aligns with Democratic interests over the needs of his district’s residents.
With a focus on connecting with voters, Kaye aims to foster grassroots support combined with a strong digital outreach campaign. He has previously garnered a significant following, hosting programs like the “Mark Kaye Saves the Republic” podcast and running The 47 Daily, which has attracted over 70,000 subscribers on YouTube. His supporters self-identify as “Kayetriots,” a term reflecting their commitment to his campaign.
As Kaye prepares for the upcoming primary, he faces the challenge of competing against Rutherford, who currently holds about $270,000 in campaign funds. Rutherford, who previously won election to Florida’s 4th Congressional District in 2016, has successfully navigated the political landscape despite the district’s redrawing in 2023, resulting in the formation of the 5th Congressional District.
Kaye’s political journey has not been without controversy. He made headlines recently after claiming he was fired from Cox Media Group following a dispute related to an AI-generated photo of former President Donald Trump. This incident has been a talking point for Kaye as he distances himself from conventional media channels and seeks to present himself as a new kind of political leader.
The upcoming primary election is shaping up to be a noteworthy contest within the Republican party, as Kaye attempts to rally support from voters disillusioned with the status quo. He is advocating for a strong conservative representation in Congress, promising to act in the best interests of his constituents and encouraging engagement from the community in the political process.
As the election date approaches, all eyes will be on how Kaye’s unique background in radio and digital media influences his campaign strategy and voter outreach efforts. Mark Kaye’s declaration of candidacy signals a significant challenge to Rutherford’s incumbency, with both candidates preparing for a crucial contest that could define Florida’s 5th Congressional District for years to come.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- First Coast News
- News 4 JAX
- Florida Politics
- Talkers
- Action News JAX
- Wikipedia: Mark Kaye
- Google Search: Mark Kaye congress
- Google Scholar: Mark Kaye politics
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Politics
- Google News: Mark Kaye 2026
