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17th Congressional District · 2026 U.S. House · Unofficial result

U.S. House, 17th District: what did each candidate actually say they'd do?

IN PLAIN ENGLISH

Rep. Greg Steube (R) is the incumbent. Matthew Montavon (D) spent 27 years with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, by his own account. Michael J. Quirk ran with No Party Affiliation and founded a cybersecurity firm. With all 67 counties reporting statewide, Steube leads by 65,485 votes of 357,633 cast. The count is unofficial until certified. Check your address with your county Supervisor of Elections to confirm your district.

Steube leadsAll counties reporting; unofficial until certified1
58.46%Steube (R)1
40.14%Montavon (D)1
1.4%Quirk (NPA)1
65,485Vote margin of 357,633 cast1

Do they have a plan?

We read every issue on each candidate's own website and checked the same six things for every one. We count what's there. We don't grade whether the ideas are good. Read the full scoring rules

Of the issues on their website, how many...Matthew MontavonMichael J. QuirkGreg Steube
Names a policy8 of 16
6 of 9
7 of 9
Says how they'd do it1 of 16
5 of 9
3 of 9
Includes a number or target0 of 16
1 of 9
0 of 9
Says how it's paid for1 of 16
0 of 9
0 of 9
Gives a timeline0 of 16
0 of 9
0 of 9
Points to a record0 of 16
0 of 9
7 of 9

The candidates, side by side

Each topic shows every candidate's own words on it, in alphabetical order, from their own website. "Nothing on this topic" means their site doesn't cover it. Topic rows are grouped by us from their headings; the scores don't change.

Matthew MontavonDemocrat
Michael J. QuirkNo Party Affiliation
Greg SteubeRepublican
Who they are
Matthew Montavon
Spent 27 years with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, by his own account. His Platform page and the Vision section on his home page list different issues, so both are scored (home page items are marked).
Michael J. Quirk
Founder of the cybersecurity firm Securipolis, by his own account. His Promises page lists personal pledges and is scored as one item.
Greg Steube
Incumbent: his campaign site calls him Congressman Greg Steube. The page says he is new to many Lee County ballots.
Abortion
Matthew Montavon
Guarantee Reproductive Freedom"Congress should ensure that birth control, abortion, and comprehensive reproductive health care are accessible and affordable for all women."5
Names a policy
Michael J. Quirk
Where I Stand, Briefly"I won't legislate against anyone's reproductive choices, and I would vote against a national abortion ban." "Second Amendment: I support it. Full stop."8
Names a policy
Greg Steube
Nothing on this topic
Guns
Matthew Montavon
Reduce Gun Violence"Congress must ban civilian use of assault weapons, require universal and comprehensive background checks, support state licensing, enact gun safety laws, and enforce and expand red flag laws."5
Names a policy
Michael J. Quirk
Nothing on this topic
Greg Steube
Nothing on this topic
Immigration and the border
Matthew Montavon
Common-Sense Immigration Reform (home page)"An Orderly Pathway to Legal Status: Creating an organized, background-checked, and lawful process for individuals who are currently contributing to our local economy to earn legal status"6
Names a policy
Michael J. Quirk
Immigration: The Proof Congress Is Broken"Secure the border, because a country that can't control who and what crosses it isn't a serious country. Fix legal immigration so it works on predictable timelines for people who follow the rules."8
None of the six checks
Greg Steube
Nothing on this topic
Veterans
Matthew Montavon
Expand Veterans' Services"Veterans sacrificed to serve their country, and they should return to civilian life with all the support they need: access to education, help finding a job, affordable housing, and good healthcare."5
None of the six checks
Protecting our veterans and seniors (home page)"Pragmatic Budgeting for Long-Term Care: Applying practical fiscal restraint to prioritize state and federal funding for veteran nursing homes, home-based care waivers, and elder assistance programs without raising the tax burden on Florida families."6
Names a policy
Michael J. Quirk
Nothing on this topic
Greg Steube
Standing With Our Veterans"the Veterans' True Choice Act (H.R. 244) would let service-connected disabled veterans choose TRICARE instead of VA care." "Greg passed NDAA amendments that waive permit fees for veterans' events at DC war memorials and reopen chiropractic clinics on military bases."2
Names a policyPoints to a record
Social Security, Medicare and seniors
Matthew Montavon
Strengthen Social Security and Medicare"I support raising the tax cap on earnings and taxing all income, including capital gains." "Use a Consumer Price Index for the Elderly so Social Security keeps up with the true cost of living." "Ensure that Social Security offices are fully funded so seniors do not face declines in services or long delays."5
Names a policySays how they'd do itSays how it's paid for
Michael J. Quirk
Lowering Costs, Protecting Retirement"Fix Social Security without cutting it: invest a capped share of the trust fund in broad index funds, like Canada has for decades. Not privatization: no individual accounts, and no one's check rides on the market"8
Names a policySays how they'd do it
Greg Steube
Nothing on this topic
Health care
Matthew Montavon
Nothing on this topic
Michael J. Quirk
Fixing Insurance, Our Coast & Evacuation"Make the Army Corps count our coast: lake-release decisions must weigh the harm to Charlotte Harbor and our economy equally with inland objectives" "Stabilize the insurance market: a federal catastrophic reinsurance backstop, long-term flood-insurance reauthorization, and faster FEMA claims when disaster hits"8
Names a policySays how they'd do it
A Personal Commitment: Mental Health"In Congress, beyond any single bill, I'll be a voice for veterans waiting too long for care, seniors suffering alone, and kids struggling the way I once did"8
None of the six checks
Greg Steube
Nothing on this topic
Schools and education
Matthew Montavon
Educational Excellence"Congress must enact legislation to make high-quality education accessible and affordable to all without the burden of future debt."5
None of the six checks
Michael J. Quirk
Nothing on this topic
Greg Steube
Nothing on this topic
Child care and families
Matthew Montavon
Nothing on this topic
Michael J. Quirk
Nothing on this topic
Greg Steube
Leading on Common-Sense Issues"Greg authored the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, which has passed the House twice, most recently in January 2025." "the Dollar-for-Dollar Deficit Reduction Act (any debt limit increase must be matched by equal or greater spending cuts)"2
Names a policySays how they'd do itPoints to a record
The Contrast with Democrats"206 House Democrats voted against the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act."2
None of the six checks
Energy and environment
Matthew Montavon
Protect Our Environment"By utilizing science-based criteria to address this problem we can protect our beaches, homes, and local economy from rising seas, stronger storms, Red Tide, and algae blooms."5
None of the six checks
Michael J. Quirk
Nothing on this topic
Greg Steube
Rebuild Faster. Recover Stronger."Greg Steube pressed federal agencies to accelerate the permitting process and help move redevelopment forward." "Greg secured federal funding for Suncoast shoreline protection and water quality, and to widen and strengthen hurricane evacuation routes."2
Points to a record
Technology and privacy
Matthew Montavon
Nothing on this topic
Michael J. Quirk
Defending Your Privacy in the AI Age"A real federal privacy law: companies collect only what they need, you get the right to see and delete what they hold, and violations carry real consequences" "Close the data-broker loophole: if the government can't seize your data without a warrant, it shouldn't be able to buy it either"8
Names a policySays how they'd do it
Greg Steube
Back the Badge. Block the Flock."But if the government wants to track an American, it should get a warrant because the Fourth Amendment still matters."2
Names a policy
Roads, transit and infrastructure
Matthew Montavon
Investing in Southwest Florida's Infrastructure (home page)"Disaster Mitigation Funding: Fighting for permanent infrastructure hardening and storm drainage systems designed to withstand the unique climate and environmental vulnerabilities of our Gulf Coast."6
None of the six checks
Michael J. Quirk
Nothing on this topic
Greg Steube
Nothing on this topic
Disasters and the coast
Matthew Montavon
Nothing on this topic
Michael J. Quirk
Nothing on this topic
Greg Steube
Real Relief After the Storm"Greg led the Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2023, delivering billions in relief to 48 states and covering all six hurricanes that hit FL-17" "Disaster victims can deduct qualified losses above $500 without itemizing, for disasters from July 4, 2025 through December 31, 2026."2
Names a policySays how they'd do itPoints to a record
Elections and voting
Matthew Montavon
Ensure Free and Fair Elections"Congress must immediately pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to enshrine the basic principle of one person, one vote."5
Names a policy
End Gerrymandering"Congress must act to end this extra-constitutional collusion between the Executive Branch and partisan extremists in state legislatures."5
None of the six checks
Michael J. Quirk
No Wars Without a Vote"No sustained conflict without congressional authorization: debated, voted, on the record" "Objectives, exit conditions, and sunset dates in every military funding measure; no more open-ended checks"8
Names a policySays how they'd do it
What Michael Quirk Promises to Voters"I won't cash corporate or foreign checks. Period." "I will not sit in classified briefings and then trade individual stocks on the side."10
None of the six checks
Greg Steube
Securing Our Country & Our Elections"Greg led the effort to eliminate the $200 tax stamp on suppressors, short-barreled rifles, and short-barreled shotguns." "He passed NDAA amendments to deepen defense cooperation with Israel and authored a Farm Bill amendment restricting foreign adversaries from buying American farmland."2
Names a policyPoints to a record
Ethics, term limits and money in politics
Matthew Montavon
Reform Campaign Finance"Congress must enact laws to limit campaign donations and make campaign finance completely transparent."5
Names a policy
Government transparency & accountability (home page)"Restoring Congressional Authority: Easing the reliance on executive orders and ensuring major policy changes, especially regarding economic tariffs, go through Congress to keep decision-making closer to the voters."6
Names a policy
Michael J. Quirk
Nothing on this topic
Greg Steube
Nothing on this topic
Taxes, jobs and the economy
Matthew Montavon
Lowering everyday costs of living (home page)"Incentivizing Affordable Housing: Easing housing costs by supporting public-private partnerships and local incentives to build attainable, workforce housing for young professionals, teachers, first responders, and families."6
None of the six checks
Michael J. Quirk
Nothing on this topic
Greg Steube
Make Southwest Florida Affordable Again"Greg introduced legislation to repeal the 18.4-cent federal gas excise tax." "Seniors 65 and older get a new $6,000 deduction from 2025 through 2028, whether they itemize or not, and up to $12,000 for a married couple." "No tax on tips, no tax on overtime, and the 20 percent small business deduction is now permanent."2
Names a policySays how they'd do itPoints to a record
Defense and foreign policy
Matthew Montavon
Pursue Lasting Peace"Congress needs to reassert its Constitutional role in foreign affairs."5
None of the six checks
Michael J. Quirk
Nothing on this topic
Greg Steube
Nothing on this topic
Rights and freedoms
Matthew Montavon
Protect Human Rights"Congress needs to lead by example and secure legislation to ensure that every individual can share in our economy and contribute to our society"5
None of the six checks
Michael J. Quirk
Nothing on this topic
Greg Steube
Nothing on this topic
How government works
Matthew Montavon
Nothing on this topic
Michael J. Quirk
A Government That Answers to You"Ban congressional stock trading: blind trusts or index funds: no individual trades while writing laws that move markets" "Sunset emergency powers: emergencies lapse automatically after about 30 days unless Congress votes to continue them"8
Names a policySays how they'd do itIncludes a number or target
Greg Steube
Government Should Work for You"Greg passed the Taxpayer Notification and Privacy Act to stop the IRS from harassing taxpayers through third-party contracts." "the Taxpayer Advocate Participation Act, which Ways and Means ordered reported 39-0 on July 1, 2026."2
Names a policyPoints to a record
Their record
Matthew Montavon
  • Worked 27 years with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization and spent two years in the Peace Corps, by his own account.7 His site lists no elected office.
Michael J. Quirk
  • Chairs the Central Florida chapter of the International Association of Privacy Professionals and serves on the board of Tampa InfraGard, by his own account.9 His site lists no elected office.
Greg Steube
  • Elected to Congress in 2018 after serving in the Florida House and Senate.4
  • By his own account, he led the Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2023 through the House with a discharge petition and it was signed into law in December 2024.2
In their words
Matthew Montavon

"Votes, not money, should decide elections."

Matthew Montavon, campaign Platform page5

"I will vehemently support Social Security and defend that benefit."

Matthew Montavon, campaign Platform page5
Michael J. Quirk

"Five fights. One promise: I work for you."

Michael Quirk, campaign Issues page8

"Congress should be a tour of duty, not a career."

Michael Quirk, campaign Issues page8
Greg Steube

"I didn't go to Congress to talk about problems. I went to solve them."

Greg Steube, campaign home page3

"Hurricane victims needed relief. Greg Steube delivered it."

Greg Steube, campaign Priority Issues page2
Where we read it
Matthew Montavon
Website: montavonforcongress.com/platform (checked 11/5/2026)
Michael J. Quirk
Website: michaelquirkforcongress.com/issues (checked 11/5/2026)
Greg Steube
Website: electgregsteube.com/priority-issues (checked 11/5/2026)

The middle

Where they agree

  • Steube and Quirk both want a warrant before the government tracks or reads private data. Steube: "if the government wants to track an American, it should get a warrant."2 Quirk: "A warrant before the government reads your communications."8
  • All three name veterans' care. Steube: "He has fought to give disabled veterans greater freedom to choose their health care."2 Montavon: veterans "should return to civilian life with all the support they need."5 Quirk: "Deliver for veterans: funded VA care, shorter waits including mental health, a fully staffed crisis line, and a fixed claims backlog."8
  • Montavon and Quirk both put war and spending power in Congress. Montavon: "Congress has the sole authority to fund (or not fund) wars, to declare war, and to finance our overseas commitments."5 Quirk: "No sustained conflict without congressional authorization: debated, voted, on the record."8

Where they really split

  • Taxes: Steube "helped make the Trump tax cuts permanent."2 Montavon: "I support raising the tax cap on earnings and taxing all income, including capital gains."5
  • Guns: Montavon: "Congress must ban civilian use of assault weapons, require universal and comprehensive background checks."5 Steube "led the effort to eliminate the $200 tax stamp on suppressors."2 Quirk: "I don't think a ban fixes that."8
  • Abortion: Montavon: "Government has no place interfering in these personal choices."5 Steube "has remained a strong advocate for protecting unborn life."2 Quirk: "I would vote against a national abortion ban."8

What each one leaves out

  • Steube points to something he did on seven of nine items and spells out how on three. He names no new target, funding source or deadline, and his Contrast with Democrats item lists no plan.2
  • Montavon's Platform and home page list sixteen items. He names a policy on eight and spells out how, with a funding source, on one (Social Security). His site doesn't tie a past action of his own to any of them.5, 6
  • Quirk names a policy on six of nine items and spells out how on five, with one number (about 30 days) and no funding source or deadline. His site doesn't tie a past action of his own to any issue.8
Sources (checked 11/5/2026)
  1. Florida Division of Elections, Florida Election Watch, unofficial (all 67 counties at 100% of precincts reporting): floridaelectionwatch.gov/FederalOffices/USRepresentative
  2. Greg Steube campaign, Priority Issues: electgregsteube.com/priority-issues
  3. Greg Steube campaign, Home: electgregsteube.com/
  4. Greg Steube campaign, Meet Greg: electgregsteube.com/meet-greg
  5. Matthew Montavon campaign, The Platform: montavonforcongress.com/platform
  6. Matthew Montavon campaign, Home: montavonforcongress.com
  7. Matthew Montavon campaign, Meet Matthew: montavonforcongress.com/meet
  8. Michael Quirk campaign, Issues: michaelquirkforcongress.com/issues
  9. Michael Quirk campaign, About: michaelquirkforcongress.com/about
  10. Michael Quirk campaign, Promises: michaelquirkforcongress.com/promises