Jackie Toledo won’t challenge Laurel Lee to CD 15 rematch

Jacke Toledo leads the money race, but Laurel Lee is closing the gap.

Former state Rep. Jackie Toledo will not challenge U.S. Rep. Laurel Lee.

The Tampa Republican backed off a potential run against the GOP incumbent weeks after publicly teasing an entry into the field in Florida’s 15th Congressional District. She considered a run after former President Donald Trump openly called in a Truth Social post for “MAGA Republicans” to challenge Lee.

“After much consideration and prayer, I have decided not to run for Florida’s 15th district,” Toledo posted on X. “I want to thank everyone who reached out to me with words of encouragement and support. While I am not running now, my commitment to America-first values remains unwavering.”

But she also hinted another run for public office may be in her future.

“My fight is far from over, and I will continue working tirelessly until we make America great again!” Toledo added. “As a mom, I know that a mom’s mission is never over, and I will keep fighting for a better future for our children and our country.”

Toledo ran against Lee in 2022 for what was then an open seat in Congress. Lee, a former Florida Secretary of State, won the Republican nomination, later beating Democrat Alan Cohn to secure the seat for Republicans. Toledo came in third in the Primary behind Lee and then-state Sen. Kelli Stargel, a Lakeland Republican.

Trump issued a call for a challenger to Lee after the Congresswoman became the only member of Florida’s congressional delegation to endorse Gov. Ron DeSantis for President over Trump. Lee shifted her endorsement to Trump after DeSantis dropped out of the presidential race.

Toledo immediately posted a picture of herself in a “Trump 2020” cowboy hat and wrote “Great MAGA Republican answering the call and ready to serve” in an X post.

Other Republicans have already filed against Lee. Dade City Republican James Judge, previously a challenger to U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, has now qualified to challenge Lee in CD 15 earlier this week. Plant City Republican Jennifer Barbosa, formerly a California congressional candidate, filed in CD 15 earlier this week. Podcaster Brian Perras has also filed a statement of candidacy with the Federal Election Commission.