Rep. Trey Radel, R-Fort Myers resigned from Congress Monday.
In a letter to House Speaker John Boehner, Radel said, “it is my belief that professionally I cannot fully and effectively serve as a United States Representative to the place I love and call home, Southwest Florida.”
Republican leaders in Florida, including Governor Rick Scott asked Radel to resign following news that he pled guilty to misdemeanor cocaine possession last October.
Lee County Republican Party Chairman Terry Miller said Radel made the right choice.
“I am glad that he has made the decision to focus solely on his health, his recovery and his family,” Miller said. “Obviously for him to focus on those issues at this time it was very hard to be an effective congressman, and that is what we have stated all along. So I am glad he has come to terms with that decision.”
Radel’s district is solidly Republican, which means this upcoming election will include a tough primary fight. Already, former Republican state lawmaker Paige Kreegel has announced his intent to run for the now open seat in Congress. A brand new SuperPAC recently raised a million dollars for his campaign.
Another prospective candidate, state Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto, R-Fort Myers, said in a statement that Radel’s decision “makes it clear that Southwest Florida families will soon choose a new voice to represent them in Congress.”
“I will consider the best way I can be of service to Florida and our region,” she said in a statement Monday.
Governor Scott said he supports Radel’s resignation and his office will work with the Secretary of State’s office to find a date to hold a special election.
