Eve Samples
TCPalm.com columnist and blogger

staff blog

U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney just announced he will run for reelection in the new District 17 — not the more coastal District 18 that runs from Palm Beach Gardens to Fort Pierce.

This means the Republican from Tequesta will no longer represent Martin and St. Lucie Counties after the November election — and it opens up the field in the District 18 race. (Rooney now represents District 16, which has been redrawn as part of the once-a-decade redistricting process. Here’s a map of the new congressional districts.)

This is what Rooney had to say about the decision in a press release sent out Tuesday afternoon:

“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.”

Tags | Campaigning, rooney