Listen to the article
Former Rick Scott Staffer Launches Congressional Bid for Florida’s 2nd District
Austin Rogers has formally announced his candidacy for Florida’s 2nd Congressional District, entering an increasingly crowded Republican field to replace retiring Rep. Neal Dunn. Rogers, who previously served as general counsel in Sen. Rick Scott’s office, made his announcement Thursday, positioning himself as a conservative fighter with insider knowledge of Washington’s workings.
“As President Trump and Senator Scott have shown, strong leadership matters,” Rogers said in his announcement statement. “I was raised right here in the 2nd District, fishing these bays, hunting these woods, and competing on these fields. I was taught to love this country, respect hard work, and stand up for what’s right.”
The 2nd District, which encompasses part of Florida’s panhandle including the state capital of Tallahassee, is considered solidly Republican territory. Dunn, a surgeon and retired Army major who has represented the district since 2017, announced earlier this year he would not seek re-election.
Rogers emphasized his local roots and Washington experience as key qualifications. “I’ve seen firsthand how broken Washington is. Our nation needs more fighters who will fearlessly root out waste, fraud, and abuse in government,” he said. Rogers highlighted his legislative experience, noting that he has “drafted legislation, conducted congressional hearings, and led investigations holding the left accountable.”
Despite Rogers’ connections to Sen. Scott, the senator’s campaign team indicated that Scott has no current plans to make an endorsement in the race. Notably absent from Rogers’ announcement was any mention of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, another prominent Republican figure in the state.
The primary race is shaping up to be competitive, with Rogers becoming the fourth Republican to enter the contest. Among his GOP opponents is Evan Power, Florida’s Republican Party state chairman, who brings significant organizational support to his campaign. Another challenger is Keith Gross, a businessman who previously mounted an unsuccessful primary challenge against Sen. Scott in 2024.
Three Democratic candidates have also filed to run, though the district’s strong Republican lean makes it an uphill battle for the opposition party. The 2nd District has been reliably Republican, with Dunn winning his most recent re-election by a comfortable margin.
Rogers, a father of two with a third child on the way, emphasized his family ties to the district. After working in Washington, D.C., he returned to the area with his wife, reinforcing his connection to the community he hopes to represent.
Dunn’s retirement adds to a historic exodus from Congress this cycle. A record number of House lawmakers – 28 Republicans and 21 Democrats – have announced they won’t seek re-election in the upcoming 119th Congress. This unprecedented wave of departures could significantly reshape the House’s composition and potentially impact the Republican majority’s stability.
The Florida primaries are expected to draw significant attention as the state continues to be a Republican stronghold and a critical battleground for national politics. The outcome in Florida’s 2nd District will likely be determined in the Republican primary, given the district’s partisan composition.
As the campaign progresses, Rogers will need to distinguish himself in a field of candidates all vying to appeal to the district’s conservative voter base, with issues like government spending, immigration, and support for former President Trump likely to dominate the discourse.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
8 Comments
With the district being solidly Republican, the primary may end up being the real battleground here. Curious to see how this candidate differentiates himself from other GOP contenders and lays out his vision.
The 2nd District being solidly Republican gives this candidate a good shot, but he’ll still need to connect with local voters and differentiate himself. I’m curious to hear more about his policy platform and vision for the district.
You raise a good point. Local roots and Washington experience could be a potent combo, but he’ll need to strike the right balance and resonate with constituents. The primary will be worth watching.
Interesting to see a former Rick Scott staffer running for this open House seat in Florida. His experience in Washington could be an asset, but it remains to be seen how he’ll position himself in the primary against other GOP contenders.
It’s an open question whether voters in this district will prioritize DC experience or fresh local leadership. The candidate will need to demonstrate how his background uniquely qualifies him for the role.
The candidate’s background working for Rick Scott could be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it provides credibility with conservatives. But he’ll also need to show he can be an independent voice for the district.
That’s a fair point. Striking that balance between loyalty to his former boss and establishing a distinct identity will be crucial. Voters will want to know he’ll be a strong advocate for the district’s needs.
With the retiring incumbent being a conservative, this race could come down to who can best appeal to that base while also broadening their appeal. I’ll be interested to see how the candidate positions himself on key issues like the economy, energy, and border security.