In the aftermath of Marco Rubio’s announcement on Wednesday that he would run for a second term in the Senate, Congressman Ron DeSantis pulled out of the race to run for a third term in Congress.
DeSantis becomes the third Republican to leave the race in recent days. Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera ended his Senate bid earlier on Wednesday to back Rubio while Congressman David Jolly dropped out of the race on Friday to run for another term. Businessman Carlos Beruff and businessman and Army veteran Todd Wilcox have said they will continue their bids for the Republican nomination.
"Marco Rubio's announcement changes the contours of the U.S. Senate race in Florida," said DeSantis. “As a well-known incumbent, Senator Rubio is a strong bet to win what will be a pivotal U.S. Senate race in a challenging political environment. Casey and I are grateful for the support we have received across Florida and throughout the country and plan to continue the fight for limited government principles and a strong national defense."
DeSantis will run for the seat he currently holds. In the latest round of redistricting, much of DeSantis’ base in the northern part of St. Johns County, including suburbs of Jacksonville, has been moved to Congressional District 4 which is currently held by retiring Republican Ander Crenshaw.
"In light of the Rubio development, I can best advance the cause by running for reelection to the U.S. House in the 6th Congressional District, where I can continue protecting taxpayers, promoting economic growth, helping our veterans, and supporting our military," DeSantis announced.
For the moment DeSantis faces a crowded Republican primary even as state Rep. David Santiago dropped out on Wednesday. Current Republican candidates include state Rep. Fred Costello, who placed second behind DeSanits in the primary for an open seat in 2012, businessman G.G. Galloway, retired police officer James Jusick, political activist Pat Mooney and political activist and Navy veteran Brandon Patty. With qualifying closing at noon on Friday, so far Costello, Galloway and Patty have qualified.
On the Democratic side, state Rep. Dwayne Taylor and attorney George Pappas have qualified. Businessman Jason Kendall, who ran in 2012, and businessman Bill McCullough did not yet qualify in the Democratic by 2 pm on Wednesday.
