SARASOTA -- Former Democratic state Rep. Keith Fitzgerald today announced he will run against incumbent Republican Vern Buchanan for his congressional seat.
Fitzgerald said he is running because he believes political leaders have “failed miserably” in standing up for American families, creating jobs, lowering the deficit, and honoring seniors by protecting Social Security and Medicare.
Fitzgerald, 54, a New College of Florida professor, pledged to run his campaign and to serve in Congress with honesty and integrity.
“Getting our country back on track will require electing leaders who can work across the aisle to create jobs, grow our economy and invest in the future of our fellow Americans who just want a fair chance to get ahead,” he said.
“I’ve worked with small business owners, Republicans and Democrats, to improve the lives of seniors and families here in Sarasota and along the Suncoast, and I want to take that same pragmatic approach to Washington,” he said.
Buchanan has been the U.S. representative for Congressional District 13 since January 2007.
After Fitzgerald made his bid for Congress official, Buchanan spokeswoman Sally Tibbetts said, "We welcome him to the race and look forward to discussing the issues next year when we get closer to the election."
Sara Kennedy, Herald staff writer, can be reached at (941) 745-7031.
