Phil Ammann
Republican Kurt Jetta faced an uphill battle in his bid for Florida’s 21st Congressional District, looking to unseat Democratic Rep. Lois Frankel of West Palm Beach.
First, as a vocal critic of President Donald Trump, the Delray Beach businessman needed to overcome a sure-to-be difficult GOP primary.
Next, Jetta would have to prevail in a heavily Democratic district.
Jetta decided the challenge was too much, announcing Tuesday is quitting the race to work elsewhere on “public service.”
“I could keep grinding away in some hope of a breakthrough, but the odds of success are low and the opportunity cost of me not attending to my company, TABS Analytics, is high,” Jetta said in a recent email to supporters, as reported by the Palm Beach Post.
Jetta has taken in $114,000 in contributions, which he intends to refund to donors. Jetta also loaned his campaign $250,000.
“You did not invest in this campaign to see me quit so early in the process, so I will be putting in enough money to the campaign account so that you will receive your donation back by the end of the year,” Jetta said. “While I don’t regret taking a run at this office, I am very disappointed that it will end like this, and I’m sorry to disappoint you, as well. Going forward, I will be dedicating my public service efforts to organizations that are addressing the opioid epidemic, the issue that propelled me into this campaign in the first place.”
Remaining in the CD 21 race is Republican Derek Schwartz.
Currently in her third term, Frankel won re-election in 2016 with 62.7 percent over Republican Paul Spain.
