Allen Boyd throws support to Amanda Marie Green as she runs for open CD 2 seat

Former U.S. Rep. Allen Boyd just named the Democrat he wants to succeed Republican U.S. Rep. Neal Dunn.

The Tallahassee Democrat and his wife, Jeannie Boyd, endorsed Amada Marie Green, a longtime foreign aid professional who had filed to challenge Dunn before he announced his retirement.

“We’ve personally seen how effective Amanda is at turning ideas into action,” reads a statement from the Boyds. “She has a deep understanding of the economic pressures facing working families in our district, bringing both practical insight and compassion to the table, and has built an entire career fighting for others. Amanda possesses the lived experience and determination to fight for every constituent of North Florida and deliver real results.”

U.S. Rep. Boyd represented Florida’s 2nd Congressional District for more than a decade. The moderate Democrat won election to the seat in 1996 and served until ultimately being defeated by Republican U.S. Rep. Steve Southerland in 2010.

Green welcomed the longtime lawmaker’s support.

“I’m deeply honored to receive the endorsement of Congressman Allen Boyd and Mrs. Jeannie Boyd, two true public servants to the people of Florida’s Panhandle. Congressman Boyd has set a standard for what truly principled, practical representation looks like,” she said.

“He understands our district not just from the halls of Congress, but from the fields and ranches that define so much of our community. As a farmer and cattle rancher, he has always known firsthand the challenges facing working families, agricultural producers, and rural communities across North Florida. His decades of service — from the military to 8 years in the Florida Legislature and 14 years in the U.S. House — reflect a lifelong dedication to our veterans, working families, and rural communities.”

Green was among three Democrats who filed before Dunn said he would vacate the seat at the end of his term. She faces attorney Yen Bailey and tech entrepreneur Nic Zateslo in a Democratic Primary.

No other Democrat filed since Dunn said he would not seek re-election. Former U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham, who unseated Southerland in 2012, had considered a run but said this week she would not seek a return to Congress.

But Green hopes national Democrats keep up an interest in the one-time battleground seat. The backing of the Boyds shows Democrats in the Big Bend and Panhandle see a path to victory.

“Words cannot express how grateful I am for Allen and Jeannie. Their support and mentorship to our campaign and their dedication to this district is as inspirational as it is motivating,” she said. “I am proud to stand with them as we demand a Congress that serves the American people and works to build a prosperous future for generations to come.”