Tampa Rep. Kathy Castor Votes With Republicans Against Impeaching Trump

TAMPA — In a rare display of agreement with House Republicans, Tampa Representative Kathy Castor (D–FL) voted against a resolution aimed at impeaching President Donald Trump over his June 2025 military strikes on Iran. The resolution, spearheaded by Rep. Al Green (D‑TX), accused Trump of violating separation of powers “by unconstitutionally usurping Congress’s power to declare war.” However, House Democrats joined Republicans in a decisive 344–79 vote to table the motion on Tuesday.

Castor, representing a reliably Democratic district, joined 127 other Democrats and all present Republicans in voting against advancing articles of impeachment. All 79 votes to move forward with impeachment came from Democrats. That Castor, who has a reputation for hewing close to leadership, voted no suggests a strategic choice by Democrats to avoid a likely futile impeachment battle. What legislative priorities they intend to pursue from the minority instead remains to be seen.

Castor’s vote against the Trump impeachment resolution, though notable, is unlikely to carry significant political consequences due to her secure position within the district. While there may be limited backlash from community activists, the absence of a credible primary opponent effectively shields her from real consequences for the vote.

Castor’s campaign currently holds more than a quarter million dollars cash on hand, and she has the ability to raise more quickly if necessary. No challenger able to generate a similar level of financial support appears willing or able to step up in the next primary, to be held August 2026. Castor is also generally well-liked among Tampa Democrats. Without a strong candidate or the prospect of a grassroots uprising, the Congresswoman is free to make strategic votes as she wishes, even if they ruffle some feathers.