Florida and national Republican leaders are getting off the sidelines in the open race for Florida’s 2nd District — and Republican candidate Austin Rogers is the main beneficiary.
In the closing days of the race, Rogers has been endorsed by almost all of the House GOP’s leadership in his bid to succeed retiring Rep. Neal Dunn (R., Fla.), as well as a slew of local elected officials from in and around Florida’s Panhandle.
Among the most significant votes of confidence in Rogers and his campaign is that of Rep. Steve Scalise (R., La.), the House Republicans’ Majority Leader. In endorsing Rogers, Scalise said that “Austin is a proven conservative, and he’s already been at the tip of the spear for Republicans as a Chief Counsel in the Senate. He’s ready to hit the ground running for the Panhandle on day one.”
“Austin is a man of faith, a family man, and a man of integrity,” Scalise added. “I know he will be a reliable America First advocate who will stand with President Trump and House Republicans to secure the border, strengthen our economy, defend our freedoms, and get our country back on track.”
But Scalise is far from the only top House Republican to back Rogers. Rep. Tom Emmer (R., Minn.), the House GOP’s Whip, also endorsed Rogers, calling him “the America First conservative we need in Congress. His experience serving as Chief Counsel to Senators Lindsey Graham and Rick Scott has prepared him to hit the ground running and advance President Trump’s agenda from day one.”
“Austin is a devoted husband, father, and man of faith who understands that public service is about fighting for the hardworking families, individuals, and small businesses that make North Florida and the Panhandle great,” Emmer added. “He will stand up to China and has the conservative values and leadership our Republican majority needs to keep America on the right track. I’m proud to give Austin Rogers my complete and total support for Florida’s 2nd Congressional District.”
One of Emmer’s Deputy Whips, Rep. Guy Reschenthaler (R., Pa.), echoed Emmer’s support for Rogers, saying that “Austin will go to Washington ready to keep our border secure, rein in spending, and stand up for hardworking Florida families. I’m proud to endorse him for Congress and look forward to serving with him in the Republican conference.”
Another top Republican who’s backing Rogers is Rep. Jim Jordan (R., Ohio), the Chair of the Judiciary Committee. Jordan called Rogers “a strong conservative with the skills, experience, and backbone needed to make a real difference in Washington.”
“At a time when America First principles are under constant attack from the left, Austin will hold the line, defend our values, and fight for the people of Florida’s Second Congressional District,” Jordan added. “His service as General Counsel to Senators Lindsey Graham and Rick Scott gives him the policy experience and judgment needed to hit the ground running. Now, more than ever, we need leaders like Austin Rogers in Congress.”
Closer to home, Rogers is also backed by Rep. Greg Steube (R., Fla.), who said that he is “honored to endorse Austin Rogers for Congress in Florida’s Second Congressional District.”
“Austin is a strong conservative who understands that serving in Congress means standing up for the Constitution, defending our nation, and fighting for the hardworking families who make Florida strong,” Steube added. “He will stand with President Donald J. Trump, support our military and veterans, protect our farmers and small businesses, and never back down from the America First principles we share.”
Importantly, Rogers is not only backed by some of the top conservatives in Washington, D.C.; local Republicans, including State Senator Jay Trumbull, Graceville Mayor Terry Nichols, Quincy Commissioner Lane Stephens, Lynn Haven Mayor Dave Lowery, Franklin County Commissioner Jessica Ward, and others.
