Carla Spalding Leaves GOP to Continue CD18 Run With No Party Affiliation

Carla Spalding, a veteran and nurse, announced on Wednesday she was ditching the GOP to continue her bid for Congress with no party affiliation. Spalding had been running in the crowded Republican primary to replace U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy, D-Fla., who is running for the U.S. Senate. 

“As an independent candidate, I feel that I can truly advocate for all people within my district and the people of America,” Spalding said. “ A party should not dictate or determine who I am.  If I am truly going to represent my district, I must consider all concerns regardless of the party he or she is affiliated.

“The focus is not where it should be,” Spalding added. “I understand the people, what they are going through, and the intervention needed for a better outcome. One party is way to the right the other way to left. Who advocates for the voice of the independents? I am one of the many voices that had no representation.

“Why now should I change who I am?” she asked. “Why should I be restricted or confined with my mission? I am the voice of reasoning, I have been through many obstacles and survived. We as a nation can and must come together to prevail.”