Former Florida Secretary of State Laurel Lee has confirmed the speculation about her political future.
She will run for a new 15th Congressional District. She filed for office the day after her resignation as the state's top election official took effect.
"It was an honor serving Governor DeSantis as his Secretary of State," Lee said in a prepared statement. "But I am ready to return home to Tampa and I'm excited to throw my hat into the ring and ask my community for their support."
Lee was appointed Secretary of State in 2019. Prior to that, she was appointed by then-Gov. Rick Scott as a Hillsborough Circuit Court judge
Lee enters an already crowded GOP field that includes former Congressman Dennis Ross and State Representative Jackie Toledo. The district encompasses parts of Hillsborough, Polk, and Pasco counties. The primary election is scheduled for August 23.
photo: Florida Secretary of State