Laurel Lee to seek re-election in CD 15

U.S. Rep. Laurel Lee will run for re-election in Florida’s 15th Congressional District. That means the Thonotosassa Republican can keep the same number on campaign materials, but the district lines will change under a new map passed by Florida’s Legislature.

“I am honored to represent the people of Florida’s 15th Congressional District,” Lee said. “Our new district maintains the majority of my constituents, and it’s where my home and district office are located. I look forward to continuing the good work we’ve done for our community.”

Her district office is located on Riveredge Drive in Tampa.

Under the new map, the district shifts more Republican and moves into much more of a Gulf coast orientation. The new CD 15 includes all of Citrus and Hernando counties; much of west Pasco, including Zephyrhills, Dade City and Wesley Chapel; and a swath of New Tampa that includes Temple Terrace and East Lake.

The current makeup of CD 15 had Zephyrhills and a greater part of Pasco and Hillsborough, but all of the Citrus and Hernando territory will be new. Meanwhile, Lee loses parts of New Tampa, as well as much of east Hillsborough, including Plant City, and sections of Polk County as far east as Lakeland. Lee initially won her seat in 2022, when the district was widely considered the new district Florida picked up after the 2020 census.

Lee defeated Democrat Alan Cohn there despite it being one of the most closely politically divided seats in the state.

The new makeup of the district leans more heavily Republican. Under the new CD 15 lines, President Donald Trump carried the district in 2024 by 20 percentage points over Democrat Kamala Harris. He carried the current CD 15 by just 11 points.

Lee in 2024 won re-election over Democrat Pat Kemp, then a Hillsborough County Commissioner, with almost 57% of the vote.

The incumbent’s campaign stressed her record of fighting sextortion, addressing evolving challenges created by artificial intelligence, and crafting legislation to strengthen the national energy grid.

“As a former federal prosecutor and judge, I’ve focused on delivering results grounded in the rule of law and a clear-eyed commitment to public safety,” Lee said. “In Congress, I’ve worked to protect our children, support law enforcement, and ensure that our economy works for hardworking families.”

She promised to keep up constituent services even as her district lines change.

“There is more work to be done, and I’m committed to continuing to serve the people of the 15th Congressional District with the same dedication and accountability they expect and deserve,” she said.

“I know this district, the families, small businesses, and important industries that make up our community and make it special. I have no intention of switching districts, and I will continue to seek re-election to my home community, Florida’s 15th Congressional District.”