U.S. Rep David Jolly Drops Out Of Senate Race

Indian Shores, FL — U.S. Rep. David Jolly has dropped out of the race for Marco Rubio’s seat in the Senate.

Citing "unfinished business," Jolly made the announcement to seek re-election to his Congressional seat Friday. The move likely puts him in competition with Democrat and former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist.

"There’s an old adage that all politics is local," Jolly wrote in a Facebook post announcing the decision. "For me, it’s personal. I have unfinished business. We have unfinished business together. Today I'm asking you for the opportunity to keep doing my job. I ask for your support in seeking reelection to the House of Representatives."

His decision to pull out of the race for Rubio’s U.S. Senate seat comes amid much speculation that Rubio is considering a re-election run after pulling out of the campaign to win the Republican nomination for president.

Rubio fueled speculation on Wednesday when he addressed reporters in Washington, D.C. Rubio told reporters he intends to come home later this week and talk with his family. After that, “if there’s been a change in our status, I’ll let you know.”

Rubio pulled his name out of the running for the Senate seat he currently holds during his failed bid for the Republican nomination for president. He was defeated soundly in his home state by the now-presumptive nominee Donald Trump. Rubio suspended his presidential campaign after that March 15 primary defeat.

"After tonight it is clear that while we are on the right side this year that we will not be on the winning side," Rubio said in announcing his withdrawal from the presidential race.

Rubio initially said he had every intention of returning home after his Senate term was up to resume life as a private citizen. Should he change his mind, he only has until noon on June 24 to qualify for the state’s Aug. 30 primary election.

Rubio would face competition from Ronald Desantis and Carlos Beruff in the Republican primary. Lt. Gov. Carlo Lopez-Cantera has also entered his name into the hat.

Photo from the David Jolly Facebook page