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Ron DeSantis Drops Out Of Senate Race; Rubio Opts In

U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis
U.S. House of Representatives
U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis
U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis
Credit U.S. House of Representatives
U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis

Congressman RonDeSantis is trading in one race for another.

DeSantis is abandoning his bid for the Senate and instead is seeking re-election for Congressional District 6.

DeSantis said in a statement Sen. Marco Rubio's "announcement changes the contours of the U.S. Senate race in Florida." Rumblings about Rubio's about-face on a pledge he'd retire after his unsuccessful run for president were confirmed Wednesday. 

"In light of the Rubio development," DeSantis wrote, "I can best advance the cause by running for re-election to the House in the 6th Congressional District, where I can continue protecting taxpayers, promoting economic growth, helping our veterans and supporting our military."

Florida Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera made a similar statement and implored Republicans Carlos Beruff and Todd Wilcox to rally behind the incumbent who had the best chance of winning. But Beruff says he'll do no such thing, saying the Senate seat is "this isn't Rubio's seat, it's Florida's." Wilcox did not immediately return calls for comment.

Congressman David Jolly is also opting to seek re-election and ending his bid for the Senate. 

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Ryan Benk is originally from Miami, Florida and came to Tallahassee to attend Florida State University. He worked on Miami Dade College’s Arts and Literature Magazine- Miamibiance Magazine and has published poetry and a short film called “ The Writer.” He’s currently working as the Newsroom’s Researcher while finishing his Creative Writing Bachelor’s Degree at Florida State University. When he’s not tracking down news, Ryan likes watching films, writing fiction and poetry, and exploring Florida.