TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Republican U.S. Rep. David Jolly is dropping out of Florida’s Senate race and will run for re-election.
Jolly made his announcement Friday as speculation brewed that Republican Sen. Marco Rubio will run for re-election after previously saying he would give up his seat.
Jolly’s decision now sets up a competitive race with former Republican governor and now Democrat Charlie Crist in a district that was redrawn more favorably for Democrats.
Jolly won office by defeated Democrat Alex Sink in a March 2014 special election. He faced no serious opposition the following November and was re-elected.
He entered the Senate race after it became clear his district would favor Democrats. He’s now changing his mind as failed presidential candidate Marco Rubio considers running for re-election. The deadline to qualify for the ballot is next Friday.
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