Florida GOP Rep. Bill Posey has announced that he will not be seeking re-election, citing circumstances beyond his control requiring him to suspend his re-election campaign. Posey expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent his constituents in Congress and had planned on running for another term. Despite polls suggesting he could have remained in office indefinitely, Posey will now focus on continuing to represent his constituents until the end of his current term, supporting former Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos as his successor.
Posey endorsed Haridopolos as his replacement, stating that he has mentored him to take up the battles against the swamp and replace him as Congressman. Haridopolos, who announced his campaign on Friday, expressed gratitude for Posey’s endorsement and pledged to work every day to live up to his legacy of service and serve the people of District 8 with integrity and honor. Posey had served in Congress since 2008 and had spent 18 years in the Florida State Legislature prior.
As a supporter of former President Donald Trump, Posey had been vocal about his priorities in Congress, focusing on issues such as border security and the national debt. He recently voted against the foreign aid package and the FISA renewal, both supported by Speaker of the House Mike Johnson. Posey emphasized the importance of defending the nation’s borders and balancing the budget as top priorities in Washington, stating that the American people expect their representatives to put America first in all decision-making.
Posey’s decision not to seek re-election comes at a time when a number of GOP lawmakers are also choosing to step down from their positions. The announcement of his retirement has led to speculation about the future of his seat in Congress and who will ultimately succeed him. While Posey had planned on running for another term, circumstances beyond his control have led him to suspend his re-election campaign and focus on supporting Haridopolos as his preferred successor.
Haridopolos, upon announcing his campaign, expressed his commitment to living up to Posey’s legacy of service and representing the people of District 8 with integrity and honor. He thanked Posey for his faithful service to the community, state, and nation, and pledged to work tirelessly to continue that legacy. Posey’s decision to endorse Haridopolos as his successor reflects his confidence in his ability to carry on the work he started in Congress and continue to represent their constituents effectively.
