Dr. James St. George, a physician in North Florida, has jumped into the increasingly crowded Republican primary to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Ted Yoho, R-Fla.
St. George announced on Thursday that he was entering the race, hoping he can follow the same path Yoho, a large-animal veterinarian, did when he upset longtime U.S. Rep. Cliff Stearns, R-Fla., in the Republican primary back in 2012.
The new candidate praised Yoho as he entered the race and promised to support President Donald Trump. An Eagle Scout himself, St. George also brought up his background in scouting including serving on the Executive Board of Directors for the Boys Scouts of America North Florida Council, including a stint as district chairman.
“Now more than ever we need members of Congress who support our president and represent our conservative values just as Congressman Yoho has done so honorably,” St. George said. “As a physician, I’ve help patients across North Florida with their medical needs; as a conservative Republican I’ve supported candidates locally who stand for our conservative principals; and as a father I was a leader in an organization that teaches our youth the value of strong morals and service to the community. With Congressman Yoho’s retirement, I am taking the next step in service, by declaring my candidacy for Florida’s Third Congressional District. I am ready to take off my white coat, roll up my sleeves, and get to work helping our president heal our country.”
St. George faces a crowded Republican primary field which includes longtime Yoho aide Kat Cammack, former congressional aide Joe Millado, Clay County Commissioner Gavin Rollins, 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.
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