Fourth Fla. Republican running for Senate

Rep. David Jolly on Monday became the fourth Florida Republican to enter the race to replace Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) in the Senate.

In a statement, Jolly sought to frame himself as a fighter of Obama administration policies.

“I intend to run for the United States Senate on an unwavering platform that will reject the politics of division and class warfare that have defined the current Administration, reject the failed foreign policies that have projected only weakness and apology on the world stage, and embrace a new economy founded on the principle that individuals and families, not government bureaucrats, create success,” Jolly said.

“I will stand up everyday for the American people and say once and for all that you should be allowed to determine your own future, practice your own faith and pursue the American dream — and that includes making your own health care coverage decisions,” he added.

Jolly is the latest to join the increasingly crowded race for the Republican nomination for Florida Senate.

Rep. Ron DeSantis (Fla.), a veteran of the Iraq War, got in the race early and will have the support of several fiscally conservative outside groups. Last week, Florida Lt. Gov. Carlos López-Cantera (R) threw his hat into the ring. Todd Wilcox, another combat veteran, is also running.

But the field is likely far from settled.


Rep. Jeff Miller (R-Fla.) is also believed to be weighing a bid and could enter the race soon. Former Attorney General Bill McCollum is also believed to be eyeing the open seat.

In early 2014, Jolly notched the first big victory for the GOP in what turned into a wave election for Republicans. Jolly surprised political watchers by edging Democrat Alex Sink in the special election for the late Rep. Bill Young’s (R-Fla.) seat.

Jolly secured reelection later that year in a landslide as Democrats failed to field a candidate.

However, the Florida Supreme Court has ruled that state lawmakers must redraw the 13th District, likely making his reelection prospects far more difficult in a district that President Obama carried in 2012.

Democrats are also facing a protracted primary.

Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-Fla.), who has much of the establishment support from Democrats in the state, and Rep. Alan Grayson (D-Fla.), a liberal firebrand, are both running for the party’s nomination.