Jason Shoaf will seek re-election to Legislature, sit out race to succeed Neal Dunn in Congress

State Rep. Jason Shoaf says he will not run to succeed U.S. Rep. Neal Dunn.

“I am fully focused on serving the people of North Florida in the Florida House of Representatives, and I am committed to fulfill my term through 2028,” Shoaf said.

The Port St. Joe Republican first won his legislative seat in a Special Election in 2019. Term limits will not prohibit him seeking re-election this year.

He shot down rumors he may run for Congress two days after Dunn, Panama City Republican serving his fifth term in the House, announced his retirement at the end of this Congress.

Shoaf said he feels he can best serve his community by remaining in the Florida Legislature as a senior member. He currently serves the Transportation & Economic Development Budget Subcommittee. Shoaf remains the only candidate filed in House District 7.

“I believe this next two years in my current role is my greatest chance to make the most meaningful impact delivering real results for our communities, strengthening our economy and defending the values that make North Florida such a special place to call home,” Shoaf said.

Other candidates already in the race for Florida’s 2nd Congressional District include Republican Party of Florida Chair Evan Power and former U.S. Senate candidate Keith Gross. But speculation has swirled significantly this week about whether other Republicans in the region will run for the seat now that it’s open.

CD 2, which covers parts of the Panhandle and Big Bend, currently leans comfortably Republican.

Dunn easily won re-election in 2024 over Democrat Yen Bailey with about 61.7% of the vote. More than 58.5% of voters there supported Republican Donald Trump over Democrat Kamala Harris for President, according to MCI Maps, and more than 60% of voters backed GOP U.S. Sen. Rick Scott’s re-election.

Notably, Republican leaders in Tallahassee say they intend to redraw congressional districts ahead of the 2026 Midterms.