It’s a Tuesday night in Coconut Grove. Business owner and political newcomer Richard Lamondin is standing before nearly 50 people gathered at St. James Baptist Church. He’s trying to sell them on electing him to Congress.

He’s a long shot, to be sure.

The Miami native and co-founder of an environmental services company is running for the Democratic nomination to challenge incumbent U.S. Rep María Elvira Salazar. Democrats identify her as a target in the November 2026 midterm election.

The non-partisan Cook Political Report says it’s a “solid Republican” seat, meaning it’s not competitive.

Lamondin must first win the August 2026 Democratic primary. He faces two other challengers, Alexander Fornino and Robin Peguero . Former Key Biscayne Mayor Mike Davey recently dropped out

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