Spence presents new generation of ideas in CD-17 debate as Montavon agrees

Allen Spence
2 days ago
2 min read

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MARCH 7, 2026

*Allen Spence, Matthew Montavon participate in first CD-17 primary debate at Naar Hall of Venice United Church of Christ. Photo: Wesley Walther / GARCIA.*

VENICE, Fla. (March 7, 2026) — Over nearly 90 minutes of debate, congressional candidate Allen Spence demonstrated a deep understanding of the challenges facing Southwest Florida voters and outlined his plan to make life more affordable through his Prosperity Agenda, as fellow candidate Matthew Montavon repeatedly voiced support for Spence’s proposals while dismissing almost every question from moderator and TV journalist Jim Blue as “dumb” or “more of a local issue.”

The debate — the first Democratic primary debate in Florida’s 17th Congressional District — was hosted Saturday in Venice by the Sarasota-Charlotte Progressive Caucus and Sarasota Next Gen Democrats.

Throughout the discussion, Spence focused on lowering costs for working families, protecting Social Security and Medicare and holding Washington officials accountable to the rule of law.

“Families across Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee counties are feeling squeezed by rising costs and a congressman who has lost sight of their priorities,” said Spence. “My Prosperity Agenda is about bringing down everyday costs, strengthening Social Security and Medicare and making sure Southwest Florida has a real voice fighting for working people in Washington.”

Spence also emphasized the importance of upholding law and order, improving healthcare access and investing in local economic growth that benefits Gulf Coast communities.

The campaign thanked the local host organizations for convening the debate and engaging voters ahead of the August Democratic primary.

“Southwest Florida voters deserve a new generation of ideas and a campaign focused on the future,” Spence said. “Today’s debate was an important step in that conversation.”