Ryan Ray
On the heels of U.S. Rep. Ron DeDantis announcing a 2016 U.S. Senate bid, Florida politicians across the state are processing and reacting as the ever-shifting field of play shifts yet again.
Pinellas Congressman David Jolly — also said to have taken an interest in the seat after demurrals from Vern Buchanan and Jeff Atwater — offered these comments Wednesday morning:
“I congratulate Ron on his decision to enter what will be a very competitive primary election to serve our great state of Florida in the Senate. I remain focused on the job I love in the House and intend to make a decision regarding the Senate in the coming months.”
The entry of Palm Beach U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy, combined with presumed tailwinds for a moderate Democrat going into a presidential cycle, seems to have made many Republicans nervous about jumping in.
Reacting to the news today, Murphy released a response even more measured than Jolly’s, staying on message in the face of a fresh challenge.
“Floridians want fresh, new leadership in the U.S. Senate,” Murphy said.
“I am running to end the gridlock in Congress, strengthen Social Security and Medicare, and empower the middle class to succeed. I look forward to sharing my vision with Floridians across the state over the course of this campaign.”
