U.S. Rep. Dan Webster, R-Fla., announced on Monday afternoon that he will run for the congressional seat currently held by U.S. Rep. Rich Nugent, R-Fla., who is retiring from Congress after three terms.
After the Florida Supreme Court agreed with a map submitted by the League of Women Voters creating new districts, Webster was thrown into a favorable district for Democrats. On Monday, Webster noted that he represented almost 30 percent of the district currently represented by Nugent and stressed his conservative credentials.
"I'm running for another term in Congress because there is still much to be done to reform the process and fix what is broken in Washington,” Webster said. “For the past five years, I have fought to change the power based, staff-driven Congressional process into one based upon principles. Last year, I ran for speaker against John Boehner and the powerful Washington establishment because I believe that our country deserves a legislative process that works.”
Democrats almost knocked off Webster in Congressional District 10 in Central Florida in 2012 and their chances improved considerably under the new map. In CD 10, Webster represents parts of Orange and Polk counties and most of Lake County where he has a home. Under the new map, CD 10 would be far more Democratic, taking in only parts of Orange County.
Webster has been vocal in his opposition to redistricting but his chances for another term were dire if he stayed there. Half of the district are Hispanic and African Americans and President Barack Obama took more than 61 percent of the vote in 2012. Democrats far outnumber Republicans in CD 10, making up 46 percent of registered voters while the GOP claims only 28 percent of them.
With CD 10 now favoring Democrats, a field of candidates has emerged in recent months. Former Orlando Police Chief Val Demings, who almost beat Webster in 2012, launched another congressional bid. State Sen. Geri Thompson, D-Orlando, who has been always been strong in Orange County, is also running in the Democratic primary. Bob Poe, who used to chair the Florida Democrats, and attorney Fatima Fahmy are also in the mix. Former state Sen. Gary Siplin could also run and there’s always the chance that U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown, D-Fla., would jettison her northern base to run here as she evaluates the new maps.
Things look more promising for Republicans in CD 11 which helps explain Webster’s decision. Starting in Ocala and sprawling over to the Gulf Coast, this district winds through Citrus, Hernando, Marion and Sumter counties. Under the new map, the district keeps all of Citrus, Hernando and Sumter counties as well as part of Marion County while adding almost half of the population of Lake County.
Republicans do better here than in CD 10. Back in 2012, they made up 44 percent of registered voters in CD 11 while 34 percent were Democrats and that edge should not have withered away since then.
Justin Grabelle, who was Nugent’s chief of staff, is running for the Republican nod and he has his old boss’ support. Jack Martin, a businessman and pastor, is also running in the Republican primary and racher Kelly Rice has explored running.
Grabelle responded to Webster entering the race by stressing his connections to the district and trying to link Webster to Washington.
"I'm proud to have the support of our community and look forward to being their voice in Congress," Grabelle said. "Our country needs strong, conservative leaders who are willing to take a stand. Unfortunately, Washington has a tendency to change people. Career politicians seem to be more concerned with Washington’s inner workings than getting results for the people they represent. Quite frankly, our community doesn't care about Washington's petty political games. They want results.”
Dave Koller is trying again to flip this seat for the Democrats but he did not come close to beating Nugent last time out. Former state Sen. Nancy Argenziano could be in the mix for Democrats after leaving the GOP. Matt Schnackenberg is running as a Libertarian.
Webster was first elected to the Florida House in 1980 and rose to become the first Republican speaker since Reconstruction. He also served in the Florida Senate, rising to become majority leader. Elected to Congress in 2010, Webster challenged then-U.S. House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, in early 2015 but was defeated. After Boehner announced he was stepping down from Congress, Webster ran again but came up short against U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wisc.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
