GOP CFO candidate Kevin Steele (photo via his Facebook campaign site)
The possibility that at least one Florida Cabinet position could have a competitive primary this election season apparently has been extinguished, now that Pasco County Republican Rep. Kevin Steele is dropping out of the race for Florida chief financial officer, and instead will run for re-election to his state House District 55 seat.
“After much prayer and reflection with my family, we have made the decision that I will seek re-election to Florida House District 55,” Steele said in a statement released Thursday morning. “While I carefully considered a run for statewide office, it is important to put my family first at this time.
“Being present for them and staying close to home matters most, and I will continue serving the community I am proud to represent with the same dedication and conservative leadership they expect and deserve.”
Steele announced last fall that he would take on GOP incumbent CFO Blaise Ingoglia in the Republican primary election this August, and immediately received the endorsement from Florida Republican U.S. Sen. Rick Scott.
The race was expected to be competitive, as Steele had enormous financial resources based on his background as a former health care tech executive. He personally invested $5 million into the contest just a month ago.
Steele said in his statement that he has spoken with Ingoglia and is giving him his “full and total endorsement.”
Ingoglia is now expected to easily win the CFO position. No Democrat has filed to run for the seat, according to the Florida Division of Elections website.
The two other members of the Florida Cabinet — Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson and Attorney General James Uthmeier — are also heavily favored to win their respective Republican primary races in August.