Vero Beach Republican state Rep. Robert Brackett is staying put.
The Indian River County lawmaker pulled his name from consideration for the redrawn Florida’s 9th Congressional District, announcing he will instead seek re-election to his HD 34 seat.
“I am extraordinarily grateful for the support of many friends and family who pushed me to consider running for Congress,” Brackett said.
“Like many of them, I wrestle with the frustration of wanting to see Washington run more like Florida with less taxes, less regulation, and more freedom. But, at this time in my life, I also do not want to abandon my post in the Legislature where we must safeguard our accomplishments and continue to tackle our affordability challenges.”
The decision lands amid intense Republican interest in CD 9, which after the latest round of redistricting leans Republican by roughly 18 points based on the 2024 Presidential Election performance.
That has made the seat held by Democratic U.S. Rep. Darren Soto one of the GOP’s most coveted pickup targets in the country. Brackett said he spent several days in Washington meeting with congressional leaders before deciding to pass, and made clear he believed he had a winning path.
“After spending several days meeting with GOP leaders in Washington, I feel confident that we could have won this seat,” Brackett said. “It is imperative that we have a true America First conservative representing our community in Congress, and I will be watching who will be filing for this seat and will make an endorsement at the right time.”
The eventual endorsement could matter in a crowded primary that already includes retired Marine Corps officer and St. Cloud-based commercial pilot Justin Story, along with several other Republicans angling to challenge Soto in November.
First elected in 2022 with nearly 70% of the vote, Brackett — a small businessman and former Vero Beach Mayor — has carved out a profile on taxation, spending, transportation and utility regulation. He also serves on the Indian River Charter High School Board of Directors.
