Ron DeSantis Resigns U.S. House Seat to Focus on Florida Gubernatorial Campaign Against Andrew Gillum

DeSantis engaged in tight race against Democrat Gillum

WASHINGTON DC – U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis has resigned from Congress to concentrate on his campaign for Florida governor. DeSantis sent this letter to House Speaker Paul Ryan on Monday announcing his immediate resignation:

Dear Speaker Ryan,

One of my guiding principles during my tenure in Congress has been to protect the taxpayers that I represent. This is why in my first days in office, I rejected my congressional pension, turned down the healthcare subsidy for members of Congress, and fought against a congressional pay raise. I believe members of Congress should not be treated any differently than those they govern. I’ve done my best to live these principles: I refused my pay during government shutdowns and have slept in my office to cut costs ant be a more effective legislator.

During my time in Congress, we’ve been able to accomplish some great things. I’ve had the honor to lead on important issues such as eliminating the Sexual Harassment Slush Fund for members of Congress, increasing protections for sexual assault victims in the military, and getting the PAWS Act to the floor for a vote later this month, which will provide much needed help for service members dealing with Post-Traumatic Stress. I’ve also been proud to play a significant role in helping pass one of the largest tax cuts in our country’s history and moving the U.S. Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.

As the Republican nominee for Governor of Florida, it is clear to me that I will likely miss the vast majority of our remaining session days for this Congress. Under these circumstances, it would be inappropriate for me to accept a salary. In order to honor my principles and protect the taxpayer, I officially resign from the House of Representatives effective immediately. For purposes of pay, I ask that my resignation be retroactive to September 1 so that I do not receive any pay for the month of September.

This is not a decision I make lightly. It has been an honor to serve the people of Florida’s Sixth Congressional District, and I look forward to serving them and the rest of Florida as our state’s next Governor.

Respectfully,
Ron DeSantis

DeSantis is engaged in a tight battle against Democrat nominee and Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, who unexpectantly defeated several other nominees in the primary.

Qunnipiac University released a poll last week which shows 50 percent of voters for Gillum and DeSantis with 47 percent.

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