Brian Lambert, a Libertarian and retired U.S. Navy veteran, is running for Florida's 14th Congressional District in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. He faces Kathy Castor, a Democrat, and Mike Beltran, a Republican.

Asked why he is running, Lambert said in our candidate questionnaire: "I never planned to run for Congress. After 20 years in the Navy, I came home to raise my kids and serve my community. Meanwhile I watched both parties grow government, pile on debt and treat voters as an afterthought. Florida's 14th deserves a real choice."

Candidate information

Party: Libertarian

Residence: Tampa, Florida area

Birthplace: Whigham, Georgia

Family: Asked about his family, Lambert said in our questionnaire: "I'm a husband and the father of three. After retiring from the Navy, raising my children became my full-time mission, and coaching Little League has been part of that. We are longtime Tampa Bay residents."

Education: Lambert said in our questionnaire: "Bachelor of Arts in Social and Criminal Justice. I studied culinary arts at the Art Institute of Tampa, and I'm currently working toward an Associate of Science in Firearms Technology through Sonoran Desert Institute. I also completed 20 years of Navy technical, aircrew and intelligence training."

Previous elected office: Lambert said in our questionnaire: "None. I have never held elected or appointed office. I'm a citizen running to serve, not a career politician."

Experience and public service

Lambert said in our questionnaire: "I retired from the U.S. Navy in 2018 after 20 years of service as an aircraft mechanic, flight engineer and intelligence specialist. While serving, I also became a Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoach and taught new riders. Since retiring, I have focused on raising my three children and serving my community as a Little League coach, veterans' advocate and disaster-relief volunteer."

Lambert retired at the rank of E-6, according to Smarter Vote. He is registered with the Federal Election Commission as a challenger candidate.

On the issues

Top priority: Lambert identified the national debt as his top concern. "It is the greatest long-term threat to our national security and our children's future, and both parties have added to it," he said in our questionnaire. "I would support a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution, require independent audits of every federal agency, and vote against any spending bill that adds to the debt without offsetting cuts."

Cost of living: Lambert said in our questionnaire: "Much of the cost-of-living crisis is made in Washington. Deficit spending and money printing drive the inflation that eats paychecks and savings, so the first step is to stop spending money we don't have."

Immigration: Lambert said in our questionnaire: "Secure every border, coastline, port, and airport with properly staffed personnel, modern technology, and physical barriers where they're practical. At the same time, fix the legal immigration system so it's efficient, transparent, and fair to people who follow the rules."

Iran and national security: Lambert said he does not support the war with Iran. "Under the Constitution, only Congress can take the nation to war, and no president should commit America to a conflict like this without Congress debating it and voting on it," he said in our questionnaire.

Veteran mental health: Lambert said in our questionnaire: "I would let veterans get ongoing mental health care in their own community right away. Too many veterans are told to wait weeks for a VA appointment … I lost thirteen shipmates and friends to suicide. For a struggling veteran, a long wait can be fatal."

Term limits: Lambert signed the U.S. Term Limits pledge on Sept. 12, 2026, committing to cosponsor a constitutional amendment limiting House members to three two-year terms and senators to two six-year terms, according to U.S. Term Limits.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, call or text nine-eight-eight to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.