Mike La Rosa Opens the Door for Congressional Bid

With U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson, D-Fla., launching a bid for the U.S. Senate on Thursday, the race to replace him is already taking shape. 

State Rep. Mike La Rosa, R-St. Cloud, announced on Thursday that he is exploring running for Grayson’s seat despite the district leaning Democratic. La Rosa was first elected to the Florida House in 2012 and served as part of the leadership as deputy majority whip. He currently is the vice chairman of the Regulatory Affairs Committee and the Economic Development & Tourism Subcommittee.

“As a family man and a small business owner here in the Ninth Congressional District, I know firsthand that the people of this district have had failed representation on the federal level under Alan Grayson,” La Rosa said on Thursday before turning his fire towards the new Senate candidate. 

“Alan Grayson's disruptive style hurt people, hurt families and resulted failed leadership for our area," La Rosa said. “Grayson will not be missed. As someone who also represents many of the people of the Ninth District, over the next several weeks, I will pray with my family, and discuss with my supporters, the possibility of running for this open seat. As I have in the state Legislature, I want to represent the good people of Osceola and Orange County with a middle-of-the-road approach and fairness for all the people who deserve much better than Grayson and his failed representation.”