The race to replace U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy, D-Fla., expanded on Thursday with two major candidates jumping into the contest. Murphy is running for the U.S. Senate in 2016, leaving an open congressional seat in a swing district.
On Thursday, Palm Beach County Commissioner Melissa McKinlay launched her bid for the Democratic nomination. McKinlay is the third official candidate running for her partys nomination, joining fellow Palm Beach County Commissioner Priscilla Taylor and engineer Juan Xuna who ran for Congress back in 2002.
I've spent my entire adult life in public service, advocating for a better future for all of us in Florida, McKinlay insisted in a message to voters on Thursday. I understand firsthand the tough decisions families are facing these days -- as a single working mom of three teenagers, I encounter them every day. Whether it is helping to bring millions of dollars to the Treasure Coast home for environmental projects, or just making sure my own kids have safe neighborhoods and safe schools, my focus on creating a better Florida has never wavered.
My campaign will be about issues that are important to you: cleaning up our water, providing an environment where our kids can flourish, and getting things done in an increasingly harsh partisan atmosphere that we can no longer tolerate," McKinlay added. You expect leadership and results, and I'm proud of my record of both. I look forward to getting to know you, and fighting for our community together.
Other possible Democratic candidates include Florida Sen. Joe Abruzzo, D-Wellington, and St. Lucie County Commissioner Chris Dzadovsky.
Also on Thursday, St. Lucie County Commissioner Tod Mowery launched his bid for the Republican nomination for Murphys seat. Late on Thursday night, Mowery showcased a Web video as he kicked off his campaign.
It has been over 10 years since my family and I moved to the Treasure Coast from Michigan in order to be closer to family, and so I could take an administrator position with the town of Jupiter, said Mowery on Thursday. We fall more in love with the rich treasures throughout these communities every passing year, from the incredible natural landscape which my teenage children constantly explore with their kayaks, to the uplifting people here who personify the American spirit. It would be an honor to dedicate my life to serving this home that we so dearly love.
I have enjoyed everything about the role of being a public servant, Mowery added. There is nothing greater than helping the people of our community better their lives, and I absolutely cherish those opportunities. It would be the greatest honor to serve the people of the 18th District.
Calling for common sense in Washington, Mowery vowed to use his background in economic development and business to fight for fiscal conservatism in Congress.
When theres an absence of a grounded and proactive voice diligently standing guard, small businesses struggle, tax burdens increase, and the national debt continues to spiral out of control, Mowery said. I want to lean on my life experiences to help bring common sense back to Washington, ensuring that our natural waterways remain treasures, our retirements are free of endangerment, and our taxes are reduced to more acceptable levels. These are the simple quality-of-life issues Im interested in, and I look forward to learning more about the needs and concerns of the 18th Districts residents so I can carry forward their message in Washington.
Mowery joins former Florida Rep. Carl Domino, who was routed by Murphy in last years general election, and Martin County School Board member Rebecca Negron in the race. Other possible candidates include congressional aide Bill Castle, Florida Rep. Gayle Harrell, R-Stuart, conservative pundit Noelle Nikpour, Martin County Commissioner Doug Smith and businessman Gary Uber.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
