On Monday, Clay County Commissioner Gavin Rollins entered the crowded Republican primary to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Ted Yoho, R-Fla., in Congress.
Rollins kicked off his bid by stressing his service in the Florida National Guard who served overseas in the fight against terrorism, his support of President Donald Trump and his conservative views.
“I’m running for congress because the foundation of our nation is under attack from misguided socialists, career politicians, and Hollywood liberals determined to chip away at our fundamental rights,” said Rollins. “I’ve fought for our country’s future in a combat zone thousands of miles away and in classrooms right here at home, and I’ll fight alongside President Trump to protect the religious liberty, economic freedom and the right to bear arms of each and every hardworking Floridian.”
Rollins faces a crowded Republican primary field which includes longtime Yoho aide Kat Cammack, former congressional aide Joe Millado, businessman Judson Sapp and businesswoman Amy Pope Wells in the Republican primary. With Yoho sticking to his promise to serve only four terms in Congress, other possible Republican candidates include former Gainesville City Commissioner Todd Chase and Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn.
Four Democrats–Adam Christensen, Phil Dodds, Richard Rowe and Tom Wells–are running in this solidly red district which stretches from Clay County to parts of Gainesville and Ocala.
Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.
