Long-time Congressman Bill Posey is retiring after eight consecutive terms as U.S. Representative for Florida’s Eighth District, which includes all of Indian River County, and he’s endorsed ally Mike Haridopolos to fill his seat.
Posey strategically announced the move on the last day for candidates to qualify to run in the Aug. 20 Republican primary. Then Haridopolos, the former Florida Senate President, filed Friday before the noon deadline. Haridopolos served as Posey’s Congressional Finance Committee Chair and “remains my first choice to represent you, me, and our district in Congress,” Posey wrote.
“We were looking forward to another spirited campaign for a final term in office,” Posey announced on his website. “However, earlier this week, circumstances beyond my control now require me to suspend my re-election campaign.” He did not elaborate.
Haridopolos joins Democrats Sandy Kennedy and Daniel McDow and fellow Republicans John Hearton, Brian Jones, and Joseph Babits in the race. Babits, 61, is the only candidate from Indian River County. He is an attorney for Shell Oil Company.
“I believe the voters in Congressional District 8 want to see changes in Washington to ensure that America’s best days lie ahead, despite Bill’s efforts,” Babits said. “Today our border is less secure than when he took office, social security is less solvent, and our national debt has tripled in his 16 years.”
Haridopolos, 54, of Indian Harbor Beach, served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2000-2003 and was elected to the Florida Senate in 2003 in a special election to replace Howard Futch, who had died of heart failure. He was re-elected easily in 2006 and 2010 and served as Senate President from 2010-2012.
Haridopolos holds B.A. and M.A. degrees in history from Stetson University and the University of Arkansas, respectively. He taught U.S. history and political science at then-Brevard Community College and at the Bob Graham Center at the University of Florida. Today, he operates MJH Consulting.
“I look forward to campaigning with my friends in Indian River County and fighting to lower the cost of living, protect our beaches and the health of the Indian River Lagoon, and support our veterans,” Haridopolos said.
Jose Dieppa, with no party affiliation, will face the primary winners in the general election on Nov. 5.