Florida Rep Bill Posey says he will not seek reelection in November

Incumbent Florida GOP Rep. Bill Posey on Friday said he is departing Congress at the end of the current term, and will not seek reelection to the House, despite originally planning to serve another term.

Posey, who has served in the House since 2008, made the announcement after the filing deadline for the race closed but said he was endorsing former Florida state Senate President Mike Haridopolos as his replacement. The Floridian is now one of nearly two dozen incumbents that have opted out of running for reelection. 

"[I was] looking forward to another spirited campaign for a final term in office. However, earlier this week circumstances beyond my control now require me to suspend my re-election campaign," Posey said in a statement. 

“Without going into a lot of personal details, stars aligned during the past week and Mike decided he was ready for Congress," the statement continued. "I enthusiastically endorse him and will do everything I can to help him get elected.”

Posey did not expand on the circumstances that led to his unexpected departure, but described Haridopolos as a candidate with a strong work ethic that knows Florida's eighth district, and is "the kind of representative we need in Congress."

The Republican lawmaker previously served in the Florida state legislature for 18 years before representing Florida on the national stage, and is currently a member of the House Freedom Caucus. He also sits on the House Financial Services and Science, Space & Technology Committees. 

Haridopolos is now one of three people running for Posey's seat, but is considered an early favorite for the nomination after securing several key endorsements, including an endorsement from Florida Chief Financial Officer Jim Patronis, Politco reported. The state's Republican Congressional primary will be held Aug. 20, 2024.