Austin Rogers throws hat in ring to succeed Neal Dunn in CD 2

A legal advisor to U.S. Sen. Rick Scott will make his own run for Congress. Austin Rogers just announced he’s running to succeed retiring U.S. Rep. Neal Dunn.

Rogers said he will be a “reliable vote” to advance President Donald Trump’s agenda in Washington if elected to represent Florida’s 2nd Congressional District.

“As President Trump and Senator Scott have shown, strong leadership matters,” Rogers said. “I was raised right here in the Second District, fishing these bays, hunting these woods and competing on these fields. I was taught to love this country, respect hard work and stand up for what’s right. I’ve seen firsthand how broken Washington is. Our nation needs more fighters who will fearlessly root out waste, fraud and abuse in government.”

Sources close to Rogers indicated earlier this month that the Bay County native was considering a run.

He just left a position on Scott’s staff as he seeks federal office. Rogers had worked as the Senator’s General Counsel since July. Before that, Rogers served as Chief Counsel to the Senate Judiciary Committee under the leadership of U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, an Iowa Republican, and before that under U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican.

Rogers enters a growing Republican field to succeed Dunn that already includes Republican Party of Florida Chair Evan Power and former U.S. Senate candidate Keith Gross. Business owner Nick Lewis has also filed.

But Rogers stressed that he’s the one with experience working in the halls of Congress.

“I know how Congress actually works,” Rogers said. “I have drafted legislation, conducted congressional hearings and led investigations holding the left accountable.”

The Federalist Society member holds both a law degree and a master’s in theology from Duke University. He also served on the Duke Law Journal and Harvard Journal of Law & Public Policy.

Before graduate school, he earned a bachelor’s in international business in 2012 from Lakeland-based Southeastern University, then pursued a second degree in theology from Wheaton College.

After clerking in the Middle District of Florida for Chief Judge Steven D. Merryday, Rogers worked for international law firm White & Chase, then took a job working on Capitol Hill.

In the release announcing his run, the Republican spotlighted his roots in the Big Bend. The Mosley High grad played soccer in college before pursuing his career in law. His father flew two tours with the Air Force’s Thunderbirds, and still trains airmen at Tyndall Air Force Base. Rogers’ mother taught public school at Lynn Haven and South Port elementary schools and still volunteers in Bay County schools.

He and wife Hala are raising a family in Panama City, where they are expecting a third child. Rogers said he wanted to raise his children with the values instilled in him as a child.

“This district deserves a conservative fighter who will stand with President Trump, defend our borders, back law enforcement and the military, protect our freedoms and put America First,” Rogers said. “I am running to be that voice for Florida’s Second Congressional District, and I humbly ask for your prayers, your support, and your vote.”