George LeMieux Unveils Team in Okaloosa County

Former U.S. Sen. George LeMieux, now running in the Republican primary to challenge Democrat incumbent U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, unveiled his Okaloosa County campaign team on Thursday.

I am proud to announce my Victory Team for Okaloosa County, a vital component of Floridas military presence, said LeMieux in the statement. While in the U.S. Senate, I sat on the Armed Services Committee and made it a priority to protect Floridas military bases. When I return to the Senate, I will fight for our men and women in uniform in Florida and throughout the world.

The team includes Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Shalimar; County Commissioner Wayne Harris; Fort Walton Beach City Councilman Bobby Griggs; and County Tax Collector Ben Anderson.

With Adam Hasner and Craig Miller jumping out of the race in recent days to run for Congress, North Florida remains open for LeMieux and his two chief Republican rivals -- U.S. Rep. Connie Mack and retired Army officer and businessman Mike McCalister. Look for them to continue to build in the region -- and push their stances on defense as they look to make gains with the military families in the Panhandle and the First Coast.