Florida Republican rejects Democratic challenger’s demand for debate in House race: ‘Won’t waste my time’

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) has rejected Whitney Fox's demand for a debate after she accused the Democratic challenger of pushing supporters to " dox " her.

Whitney and the Blue Dog PAC, a centrist Democratic group supporting her, have pressed Luna repeatedly for a debate.

Luna told the Washington Examiner that the "seat is not in play" and that Fox allowed "supporters to dox me and my family," and doesn't "belong in office."

"I won’t waste my time or Pinellas residents' by pretending like it is a possibility," Luna said. "I look forward to continuing to represent our wonderful community in D.C. this November. Hate has no place here."

Luna recently accused Fox of allowing "her supporters on her campaign social media to publicly dox, coordinate, and solicit individuals to send threatening packages to my home address." Luna also shared a screenshot of a Facebook comment that suggested someone should send something to her home address.

Fox, the former communications director for the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority, posted a video on X blasting Luna for pushing "divisive and extreme ideas" and failing to respond to her debate request.

"Floridians deserve a representative who shows up and listens," Fox said. "Instead, Anna Paulina Luna has been in hiding. No town halls, no real conversations. Just pushing divisive and extreme ideas like a total abortion ban. It's been one week since I've challenged Anna Paulina Luna to a debate. Unfortunately, I haven't heard anything from her."

The Blue Dog PAC has also blasted Luna for not revealing her stance on Amendment 4, a ballot measure in Florida that would enshrine abortion in the state's constitution. Paulina has held an anti-abortion line in the past but recently told Politico that "it's a states' rights issue."

“After being called out by her home state governor twice, it’s getting increasingly untenable for Anna Paulina Luna to stay quiet about Amendment 4," Blue Dog PAC spokesman Phil Gardner said. "Of course, we all know that given her long anti-abortion history, she’s going to vote against it, but she’s just too scared to tell the voters the truth. That’s probably why she’s also too scared to debate Whitney Fox. The voters deserve better.”

The race between Fox and Luna looks to be competitive. Luna does have a considerable cash advantage over Fox, leading her with about $2.3 million raised to Fox's $845,000. As of July 31, Fox only had about $119,000 in cash on hand to Luna's $917,000, according to FEC records .

Polling has been inconsistent in the district. An Aug. 27 poll sponsored by Florida Politics surveyed 843 likely voters and showed Fox with a 4-point lead. However, an Aug. 28-29 poll of 400 likely voters sponsored by the Republican-leaning Club for Growth showed Luna with a 5-point lead.

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The district elected Luna in 2022 by about 8 points in her second try at Florida's 13th Congressional District seat. She lost to former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist in 2020 by 6 points.

Decision Desk HQ gives Luna a 90% chance of winning reelection.