Rooney Opts to Run for New Central Florida Seat Over Treasure Coast

U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney, R-Tequesta, has announced he will seek to represent the proposed agricultural district that would be broken off his current seat instead of running for the Treasure Coast-dominated seat.

The people of this district have always been good to me, and I look forward to representing this region for another two years, Rooney stated in a release.

Rooney is expected to move to the Charlotte area.

The move opens up the Treasure Coast for a run by U.S. Rep. Allen West, R-Plantation.

The state House is expected to vote on the new congressional seats Thursday and Friday.

The House lists the new district as District 17. The Senate has a similar district carved out as District 12.

Statement of Congressman Tom Rooney on 2012 re-election:

I am excited to announce that I will be running for re-election in the new Congressional District 17. Over the last four years, I have had the honor of representing a large portion of the population of the newly drawn 17th District. The people of this district have always been good to me, and I look forward to representing this region for another two years. I will continue to make sure their calls for a smaller and more responsible government, a strong national defense, a prosperous economy, and much-needed private sector jobs are heard in Washington.

Congressional District 17 will be the largest agricultural district in Florida and one of the largest in the country, and the farmers here are among the nations leaders in beef and dairy production. As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, and the chairman of the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy and Poultry, I will continue to be a strong voice for the people of this district. A vibrant agricultural industry is not only the backbone of this district, but a key driver of both our state and national economies, and I believe that I can best serve the people of Florida as a leader on the Agriculture Committee and a representative of Floridas new 17th District.

With my current district, Floridas 16th, essentially cut in half during the redistricting process, I had a difficult decision to make. Barring significant changes by the courts through legal challenges, I will run for re-election in the new Congressional District 17.

From the bottom of our hearts, Tara and I thank the people of Martin, St. Lucie and Palm Beach counties for your support and kindness over the last four years. Representing you has truly been an honor and a privilege.