Business owner and retired police officer Jeff Moran is running in the Republican primary to take on U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham, D-Fla., in North Florida.
Moran, who owns a custom car business in High Springs which has made cars for a host of prominent people ranging from Pope Benedict XVI to actor Dan Akroyd to football legend Emmitt Smith, is showcasing his conservatism, including opposition to Common Core and abortion and calling for the enforcement of immigration laws on the books.
In announcing the launch of his campaign on Monday, Moran pledged to be a “conservative and common sense voice in Washington DC” if elected.
“I will represent all of North Florida’s new second congressional district, and be an advocate for all constituents regardless of party lines,” Moran said. “I look forward to traveling around our newly drawn district and meeting the great folks of North Florida. It’s my home, and I have a vested interest here. That’s why I’m running. To ensure North Florida continues to be a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family.
“Having lived and operated a successful business in a rural community, I understand the unique challenges our area faces.,” Moran added. “Our agriculture community faces many challenges and I am ready to go to bat for them. We need innovators to breathe life back into our small towns. I have a proven track record and can do that.”
Moran will have a formal kickoff for the campaign later in the month. He joins Panama City surgeon Dr. Neal Dunn and Tallahassee attorney Mary Thomas in the Republican primary.
Republicans have high hopes of flipping this seat in November. After the latest round of redistricting, as the state Supreme Court agreed with new districts supported by the League of Women Voters (LWV), this North Florida district looks more promising for the GOP as it includes rural counties which often back Republicans. Moran is based out of the eastern part of the district which had been included in U.S. Rep. Ted Yoho’s, R-Fla., district until the Supreme Court’s decision.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
