Will Furry, the chair of the Flagler School Board, is running for the House of Representatives in 2026, a representative confirmed Monday evening. Furry is running to represent Florida’s 6th district, currently held by Republican Randy Fine.
“Faith, family, and freedom are the foundation of our nation, and they must be protected,” Furry said in a prepared statement. “I’m committed to defending our liberties and securing the border, especially for the families who’ve suffered unimaginable loss from the fentanyl crisis. District 6 deserves a leader who embodies the strength, values, and spirit of our community.”
In his announcement, Furry listed five campaign priorities: border security, inflation management, pro-life and pro-gun policy (packaged as one priority), parental rights in education, and election security. He described himself as a ‘MAGA Republican and America First supporter of President Donald J. Trump’.
Furry was elected to the Flagler School Board in 2022, beating fellow candidates Lance Alred and Courtney VandeBunte. Alongside fellow members Christy Chong and Derek Barrs, Furry has been a staunch conservative voice on the School Board throughout his first term. His congressional campaign would most forego preclude any potential attempt at re-election.
Though Furry is a Republican in a deep-red district, there’s plenty of competition brewing in the FL-6 election. Incumbent Randy Fine has become an increasingly controversial congressman, particularly for his “starve away” remark about the innocents caught in the Israeli-Palestine conflict. Fine has drawn criticism not just from his liberal colleagues, but from fellow Republicans such as Marjorie Taylor Greene.
Further criticisms have been levied against Fine for not residing in Florida’s 6th district. “I’ve answered the call from the people of District 6 who want a representative that reflects their priorities, not someone who parachuted in and doesn’t know our community,” Furry said in an allusion to this critique. “I live here, I serve here, It’s about the will of the people and I’m ready to take that fight to Washington.”
Ten candidates have filed paperwork to run in the 2026 congressional election in Florida’s 6th district. Five are Republicans: Ernie Audino, Aaron Baker, Alexandra Van Cleef, Charles Gambaro and Joshua Vasquez. Five Democrats have also filed: Purva Bangdiwala, Mark Davis, Ron Murchinson-Rivera, James Stockton, and Eric Yonce. Lastly, one NPA candidate. Furry plus Palm Coast City Council member Charles Gambaro now give Flagler County two incumbent elected officials seeking a congressional seat. Rep. Fine has yet to formally announce a re-election bid since winning the special election on April 1st of this year.
Chris Gollon is a Flagler County resident since 2004, as well as a staple of the local independent music scene and avid observer of Central Florida politics, arts, and recreation.
