Last week, Casey Askar, a businessman and Marines veteran, joined the crowded field of candidates in the Republican primary hoping to replace U.S. Rep. Francis Rooney, R-Fla., who is retiring after two terms, to represent Southwest Florida in Congress.
Askar entered the race by stressing his biography and promising to support President Donald Trump.
“My life is the embodiment of the American Dream,” Askar said. “From fleeing tyrants in Iraq at the age of seven, to enlisting in the U.S. Marines at eighteen, to watching President Donald Trump get elected president, I am so grateful for the life I have been able to build in my great country.
“Now, watching President Trump fight the rise of socialism and a world-wide pandemic, I feel called to serve again. America has given so much to me, my family, and my children, it’s time to give back and save our land of opportunity for future generations. Our country’s future is worth fighting for,” Askar added.
“My thoughts are with the district and the entire country during this time of uncertainty,” Askar said in conclusion. “I applaud and thank President Donald Trump for his leadership handling the coronavirus. We will get through this together.”
A graduate of the Harvard Business School, Askar founded the Askar Family Office which oversees real estate, restaurants, management operations and other services.
Askar joins disabled advocate Darren Dione Aquino, state Rep. Byron Donalds, community leader Antonio Dumornay, state House Majority Leader Dane Eagle, urologist William Figlesthaler, state Rep. Heather Fitzenhagen, Fort Myers Mayor Randy Henderson, GOP activist Christy McLaughlin, former Minnesota state Rep. Doc Severson and Trae Zipperer in the Republican primary. Businesswoman and educator Cindy Banyai and businessman David Holden are running for the Democratic nomination in this district which is considered secure for the GOP.
Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.
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