Tony D'Arrigo, a hospitality professional and small-business owner from Largo, is running for Florida's 13th Congressional District with no party affiliation. He faces Anna Paulina Luna (Republican) and Leela Gray (Democratic) in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.

Asked why he is running, D'Arrigo said in our candidate questionnaire: "I believe government should work for the people who actually live with the consequences of its decisions. I know what it is like to work, struggle with rising costs, depend on public programs when times are difficult, and navigate a healthcare system where one serious illness can financially devastate a family."

Candidate information

Party affiliation: "Independent," according to our candidate questionnaire. D'Arrigo is listed on the ballot with no party preference, according to BallotReady.

Education: "Seton Hall University- Criminal Justice," D'Arrigo said in our questionnaire. BallotReady lists a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Seton Hall University in 2006.

Family: "No Wife or kids currently," D'Arrigo said in our questionnaire.

Previous elected or appointed offices: "None," D'Arrigo said in our questionnaire.

D'Arrigo said he is a published author, according to a WFTS questionnaire. He grew up in a lower-income household where his family depended on programs like WIC, food stamps and Medicaid, according to his campaign website.

Experience and public service

D'Arrigo described himself in our questionnaire as a "Hospitality professional, small-business owner, and community advocate." According to BallotReady, his work history includes positions at Caesars Entertainment Corporation, Harrah's Hotel and Casino, Tropicana Casino & Resort, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa, Shephard's Beach Resort and Carver Hotel Group. He has been owner operator of Two Step Entertainment, LLC since 2008.

Asked what accomplishments show he can handle the job, D'Arrigo said in our questionnaire: "I would point to my experience working in the private sector, operating a small business, and building a congressional campaign from the ground up without previously holding political office."

On the issues

Top priority: D'Arrigo said in our questionnaire: "My top priority is affordability and the cost of living. Families are being squeezed simultaneously by housing, healthcare, food, transportation, energy, taxes, and high-interest debt."

He said he would "introduce a comprehensive Working Families Affordability Act that would eliminate federal income tax liability for households earning under $75,000, create a federal mortgage option designed to keep qualifying primary-residence rates at or below 5%, provide universal school breakfast and lunch, establish reasonable consumer interest-rate protections, and reduce healthcare and prescription-drug costs."

Healthcare: D'Arrigo said in our questionnaire he would propose "tying premiums and out-of-pocket costs to household income so medical expenses cannot consume an unreasonable share of a family's budget."

Immigration: D'Arrigo said in our questionnaire: "I support both secure borders and an immigration system that is lawful, efficient, and humane."

Federal spending: D'Arrigo said in our questionnaire: "I would protect Social Security and Medicare rather than using benefit cuts as a debt-reduction strategy."

Energy: D'Arrigo said in our questionnaire: "For Florida, climate policy is also economic policy. Sea-level rise, flooding, extreme heat, and stronger storms threaten property, infrastructure, insurance affordability, tourism, and our coastline."

National security: D'Arrigo said in our questionnaire: "The United States should end military involvement in Iran and pursue a negotiated resolution while retaining the ability to defend Americans and U.S. forces from imminent attack."

Differences from other candidates: D'Arrigo said in our questionnaire: "The distinction I want to present is that I am offering an independent approach with unusually specific policy proposals."