James Zumwalt, a veteran who saw combat in Iraq and was awarded the Bronze Star, threw his hat in the ring on Thursday to replace U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller, R-Fla., who is retiring from Congress.
Zumwalt launched his bid by stressing his conservative principles.
“As a combat veteran of the United States Navy and a national security expert with service at the Pentagon and on Capitol Hill, I cannot stand by as our Constitution is eroded by career politicians more interested in personal gain than the future of our nation,” Zumwalt said. “I did not fight for our freedoms in Iraq just to see them voted away back home. That is why I’m running to represent the people of Florida’s First Congressional District.
“I have spoken with thousands across the Panhandle who are concerned about the future of our country," Zumwalt added. “They’re right—American liberty is under attack from radical Islamic extremism, rogue nations, and a runaway government in Washington no longer accountable to the people. I have dedicated my life to defending freedom and the conservative constitutional foundation of the United States of America. To preserve the blessings of liberty for our children and grandchildren, this nation needs statesmen—not politicians. Working on Capitol Hill, the next frontline in defense of this Republic I hold so dear, I will be that statesman for Northwest Florida.”
Besides making two tours in Iraq, Zumwalt worked in the Pentagon as an analyst and worked with Miller on military issues and other matters.
Zumwalt joins an increasing crowded Republican primary field. State Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Shalimar, entered the race last month while state Sen. Greg Evers, R-Milton, is expected to soon enter the race. Retired Navy Capt. Brian Frazier, who served 25 years on active duty and launched a primary challenge to Miller over the summer, continues his campaign. Other candidates running in the Republican primary include businessman and retired Marines officer Cris Dosev, businessman Rich Gazlay, Dr. John Mills and businessman Mark Wichern. Besides Evers, other potential candidates include Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward and Escambia County Elections Supervisor David Stafford. Amanda Kondrat'yev, who works in technology and is backing U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., for president is running on the Democratic side while Anitra Brown is running with no party affiliation.
This Panhandle district contains all of Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton counties and most of the population of Holmes County. It’s considered safe for the Republicans even with Miller headed to the sidelines.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
