Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster
Two years after resigning from office amid scandal, Trey Radel is penning a book.
BuzzFeed reporter Andrew Kaczynski on Wednesday reported the former Fort Myers congressman is writing a book about his time in Congress. The book — which BuzzFeed reported is expected to be announced Wednesday by Blue Rider Press, the imprint of Penguin Group USA — will revolve around his life story.
On Wednesday, Radel took to social media to announce the news, saying he was “writing a book to be released next year.”
I’ve had an incredible journey in life. Far from over, I hope to share some of it. I’m writing a book. More 2 come. RN, I’m at 30000 ft.
— Trey Radel (@treyradel) January 27, 2016
In November 2013, Radel pleaded guilty to a possession of cocaine charge. He was busted in October 2013 for trying to buy 3.5 grams of cocaine, or an eight-ball, in Washington, D.C., where the crime is a misdemeanor. The bust earned him the nickname “cocaine congressman,” by some members of the media.
Radel took a leave of absence from Congress and entered a rehabilitation program in November 2013. He returned to Congress in January 2014, but resigned days later.
Radel, a popular news anchor and conservative radio host, won the open Southwest Florida seat in 2012, replacing Rep. Connie Mack. He is widely known for his active presence on social media, and has taken to social media in recent weeks to drop hints of a big project in 2016.
Last year, he opened a media consulting company that offers media training. He’s also taken on the role of pundit, penning guest columns for CNN and using his Twitter account as a place to comment on the 2016 presidential election. He’s scheduled to be on Real Time with Bill Maher on Friday.
I’m on @billmaher‘s show Jan 29. Whether ur conserv or lib, he is smart, takes a contrarian (sometimes libertarian) view & funny as hell.
— Trey Radel (@treyradel) January 19, 2016
Radel’s book, according to BuzzFeed, is set to be released in early 2017.
