Rep. Bill Posey (R-Fla.) on Friday unexpectedly announced his retirement after 16 years in Congress, despite earlier plans of seeking reelection.
“Polls suggest that because of YOUR support, I could remain in the job forever, and we were looking forward to another spirited campaign for a final term in office,” the 76-year-old Trump endorsee said in a statement.
“However, earlier this week, circumstances beyond my control now require me to suspend my re-election campaign.”
Mr. Posey did not elaborate on the specifics of the circumstances he referred to but did confirm he would finish his current eighth term.
Mr. Posey began his political career in 1976 when he was elected as a member of Rockledge City Council. He was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2008 and has been reelected uninterruptedly since then.
In his retirement announcement, Mr. Posey also endorsed former Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos as his successor.
“Mike’s conservative values and work ethic are superior, and unlike others who have filed to run against me, Mike has never lied to me or tried to undermine efforts to represent our district,” Mr. Posey said, who added that he was confident Mr. Haridopolos would continue his “battles against the swap.”
“He is clearly the kind of representative we need in Congress, and I have no doubt he will excel in the job.”
Mr. Posey made the announcement a few hours after the ballot registration ended at noon on Friday. Documents posted on the Florida Division of Elections website show that Mr. Haridopolos’s paperwork to join the race were hand delivered to the agency shortly before the deadline, at 10:20 a.m. on Friday.
“Our nation is facing unprecedented problems here at home and overseas. Our southern border is in chaos. Illegal immigration is out of control. Higher prices are crushing our families and killing the American dream. It’s a mess, and we need leaders in Congress to stand up and fix it,” Mr. Haridopolos said in announcing his candidacy.
Mr. Haridopolos said he is “no stranger to navigating legislative discord to get results for the people, and I pledge to bring my private-sector and leadership experience to Washington, D.C., to get the job done. As your congressman, I will stand with President Trump and his America First agenda.”
He also thanked Mr. Posey for his service and endorsement.
“I will work every day to live up to his legacy of service, and serve the people of District 8 with integrity and honor.”
Mr. Haridopolos served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2000 to 2003, and then continued his career in the state’s Senate. He currently runs a business consulting and political lobbying firm.
In the Florida primaries, scheduled for both parties on Aug. 20, Mr. Haridopolos has the advantage of enjoying the endorsement of several top Florida Republicans. The Democrat and Republican winners of the primaries will face off in the Nov. 5 general election.
Florida’s 8th congressional district seat has been held by a Republican since 1994.
