Former U.S. Rep. Steve Southerland, R-Fla., said on Tuesday that he would not seek a rematch with U.S. Gwen Graham, D-Fla., in 2016.
Despite insisting earlier this year that he would not run again in 2016, Southerland opened the door to another run last week as Graham is expected to be impacted in redistricting. But, on Tuesday, Southerland said he would not run again.
“It is after great thought and prayerful consideration that I've decided not to be a candidate for Congress in 2016,” Southerland announced on Tuesday. “I've been blessed with the support of Susan and our daughters throughout this process, and we appreciate the words of encouragement we've received from so many people across North and Northwest Florida."
Southerland said he would do his best to ensure the Republicans take the seat back from Graham.
"I believe it's time for someone else to have the opportunity to serve,” Southerland said. “I look forward to doing my part to ensure our nominee returns Florida's 2nd Congressional District to Republican hands in 2016."
Graham, the daughter of former Gov. and U.S. Sen. Bob Graham, D-Fla., was a rare bright spot for Democrats last year when she beat Southerland, making her one of only two members of her party to beat a Republican incumbent. There has already been considerable buzz about Graham making a run for higher office with most speculation focused on a possible U.S. Senate bid in 2018 if U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla. retires. Graham’s name has also been mentioned as a possible candidate to run for the U.S. Senate in 2016, though she has downplayed such speculation.
Pointing to her narrow win over Southerland, the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) has been active against Graham, launching attacks against the congresswoman and having key staff visit Tallahassee in recent weeks.
Tallahassee attorney Mary Thomas entered the race earlier in the month, running for the Republican nomination. Having worked in Gov. Rick Scott’s administration as the general counsel at the Department of Elder Affairs, Thomas is active with the Federalist Society, a conservative group of attorneys.
Thomas said on Tuesday afternoon that she hoped to earn Southerland’s support.
"I want to thank Congressman Southerland for his service and for his leadership,” Thomas said. “This decision could not have come easy for him. When I spoke with Congressman Southerland several weeks ago, we discussed many issues that directly impact our area that we both share a passion for, including our fisheries, water issues, and supporting our military bases. Over the next several days and weeks my campaign will work hard to earn the backing of Congressman Southerland, his supporters and voters looking for conservative leadership in Washington."
There are other possible Republican primary candidates in the mix including Neal Dunn, a Republican activist and doctor based in Panama City, and Tallahassee attorney Pete Williams who ran for state attorney in 2012, though he is more likely to run again for that office instead of Congress in 2016.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
