TAMPA BAY, Fla. - U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross (R, Lakeland) announced Wednesday he will not seek re-election in November. He told 10Investigates' Noah Pransky "it was just time" and he looked forward to returning to his law practice in Polk County.
He represents nearly half of Polk County and a large swath of Eastern Hillsborough County. He said his departure had nothing to do with the political climate, despite a record number of GOP Congressmembers announcing they would not seek re-election this fall.
The 58-year-old said he would help a Republican win the conservative district again this fall.
Earlier Wednesday, Ross tweeted the following statement:
“It has been the honor and privilege of a lifetime to serve my community as a Member of Congress and I am grateful for the encouragement and input of family, friends, and neighbors over the years. After thoughtful prayer and consideration, my wife Cindy and I decided that I will not seek re-election for a fifth-term in office,” said Congressman Ross. “I am grateful for this incredible opportunity to serve and I look forward to the next chapter of my life which will include, in some way, continued public service.”
“I never viewed this amazing opportunity as a job or a career. My home has been and will continue to be in Lakeland, Florida. I look forward to returning to the practice of law and to pursuing opportunities to increase civic education for our youth, and young adults, and with that encourage more engagement and participation of future generations in government.”
►Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the 10News app now.
Have a news tip? Email desk@wtsp.com, or visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.
