Charlie Crist has announced his intention to run for Florida’s 13th congressional House district in 2016. That is, if a new map puts him within its borders.
Earlier this month the Florida Supreme Court threw out the state’s congressional map, citing a litany of violations including the construction of Districts 13 and 14. In particular, the justices said the districts should be redrawn to avoid crossing Tampa Bay. They ruled the existing arrangement had been developed to give Republicans an unfair advantage in Pinellas County.
And from the moment the finding came down, tongues began wagging.
By virtue of his St. Petersburg residence, former Gov. Charlie Crist could find himself in the new District 13. Monday he preemptively announced his intentions, releasing a brief statement reading, “If the new congressional map includes my home, I intend on running to serve the people again.”
But just who Crist will face off against is up in the air. Rep. David Jolly (R-FL 13) made an announcement of his own Monday—he’s running for the Senate.
Update 7/22/2015: Crist is not the only candidate in the race. Pentagon official Eric Lynn announced his bid in April for the Democratic nomination, and he filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission early this month.
