Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry may want to run for Congress in a new Republican-favored district in Jacksonville.
Gov. Ron DeSantis has proposed a redistricting map that would eliminate the sprawling 5th Congressional District, which currently stretches from Jacksonville to west of Tallahassee.
The district, previously held by Democrat Corrine Brown, was historically drawn to ensure Black voters could elect a candidate of their choice. DeSantis has argued that the district is illegally gerrymandered, and he has proposed a more compact, Republican-leaning district centered in Jacksonville.
Florida Politics reports that Curry is ”definitely interested in running for Congress,” according to an unnamed source close to the mayor.
Curry's top political adviser left open the door to his candidacy in comments to WJCT News partner The Florida Times-Union.
"Mayor Curry is monitoring the redistricting process as it is unfolding in Tallahassee and considering how he can best continue his public service," campaign consultant Tim Baker said.
Other possible candidates include state Sen. Aaron Bean, R-Fernandina Beach; Jacksonville City Council member Rory Diamond; and state Rep. Jason Fischer, R-Jacksonville, the Times-Union reported.
Much will depend on how the 5th District ultimately is configured. Legislators are likely to approve DeSantis' proposal in a special session next week, but legal challenges are expected and districts could wind up drawn in a courtroom.
