Mia Jones Not Running for House Dem Leader, Backs Mark Pafford

Despite placing second behind Rep. Darryl Rouson, D-St.Petersburg, to be the next caucus leader, House Democratic Leader Pro Tempore Mia Jones, D-Jacksonville, announced on Tuesday she would not run again. Instead, Jones endorsed Rep. Mark Pafford, D-West Palm Beach. Rouson was voted out on Monday night.

After last nights vote, I have decided not to seek the post of Democratic House speaker-designate for 2014-16, Jones emailed her fellow House Democrats on Tuesday morning. Over the past six months, I have had the awesome responsibility to lead Jacksonville in the implementation of the health care exchange. Having been the Democratic ranking member of Health and Human Services during this past legislative session, my priority has been to ensure that over 1 million uninsured Floridians would have quality health insurance beginning Jan. 1, 2014. I remain hopeful that the House will join the Senate and Floridas governor in supporting full implementation of the Affordable Care Act.

I will continue to fight for the uninsured Floridians in my district, in the city of Jacksonville and throughout Florida, Jones added. At this time, I believe it is in the best interest of the caucus for us to elect Representative Mark Pafford as our next leader. He will represent us with dignity and integrity, and most importantly, he will right this ship.