U.S. Congressman Allen West announced today that he will no longer run as an incumbent in Congressional District 22. Instead has his eye on the seat just north, in a newly drawn District 18. With the final stages of the redistricting maps taking shape, Florida’s congressional candidates are quickly making their strategies known in what is turning out to be a political game of musical chairs.

The following statement was released by the West team on Tuesday.

“After much prayer, reflection and discussion with my close friends and family, I am announcing today my decision to seek reelection in Florida’s proposed 18th Congressional district. I have always believed the state of Florida would be best served by having both Congressman Tom Rooney and myself in the House of Representatives working to solve our nation’s most pressing problems. I have never wavered from my vision; to work to create jobs, restrain federal government spending, reduce America’s ever increasing national debt, and provide for a strong national defense to ensure a safer and more prosperous future for our children and grandchildren. 

Congressman Rooney is a statesman and has been an honorable public servant to the constituents of Florida’s 16th Congressional district. It is my goal to continue the success Congressman Rooney has had in Florida’s 16th Congressional district in the newly proposed 18th district. I welcome the challenges and excitement that lie ahead.  

As a 22-year United States Army veteran who commanded troops in combat, one should never underestimate my ability to be a strategic thinker. My voice for the restoration of constitutional principles for our Republic shall continue to resonate through Florida and on Capitol Hill.”

Congressman Tom Rooney made the announcement earlier Tuesday that he would run for the seat in District 17. The following is the statement released by Rooney:

“I am excited to announce that I will be running for reelection 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 nation’s 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 Florida’s new 17th district.”

“With my current district, Florida’s 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 reelection 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.”

Speculation has already begun over who will throw their hat in for West’s newly vacant District 22 seat, but sources close to BizPac Review have confirmed Adam Hasner will be among the contenders. Hasner is expected to make an announcement soon about his withdrawal from the Senate race and his bid for U.S. Congressional District 22.

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Michele Kirk

Michele Kirk is the vice president and senior managing editor for BizPac Review. Michele can be reached at [email protected]

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