Beth Sweeny withdraws from SD 6 race, offers no comment about decision

Beth Sweeny has quietly withdrawn from the race for Senate District 6. A lobbyist for the St. Johns County School District, Sweeny qualified for the race thirty minutes before the Dec. 2 deadline. At that time she cited her “deep roots in the community” and a “passion to serve.”

When asked how she would overcome the financial and name recognition advantages of two other Republican candidates, Representatives Travis Hutson and Ronald Renuart, in the January primary Sweeny said she planned “to knock on a lot of doors.”

Sweeny did not return phone calls or an email seeking a comment about her decision to drop out of the race.

Her deputy campaign treasurer declined to offer any comment about the decision.

“I just got off the phone with her and I’ll try to get her to call you,” said Drew Aldikacti Thursday morning.

Sweeny’s withdrawal leaves Renuart, Hutson and Dennis McDonald in the Jan. 27 primary. The winner of the GOP primary will face Democrat David Cox in the April 7 general election to replace former Sen. John Thrasher.

Hutson and Renuart have submitted their resignation to the Florida House effective April 6.