Florida: Mica and Adams May Face Off in GOP Primary
Florida’s likely new Congressional map started a game of musical chairs last week.
But now, in northeastern Florida, there are two players looking to take one seat. Republican Reps. John Mica and Sandy Adams appear poised to run against each other in the proposed 7th district, setting up a Member-vs.-Member primary between a 10-term Congressman and a freshman.
A source familiar with Florida GOP politics confirmed to Roll Call that Mica, chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, will run in the 7th, north of Orlando. Adams announced a run there on Jan. 30. Mica could, of course, change his mind, but for now, a race looks probable.
A source close to Adams said the news came as huge surprise to her.
“The Congresswoman and Chairman Mica spoke in January, and at that time he told her that he was comfortable where he was at and there were no problems between them,” the source said. “The Congresswoman proceeded under that assumption. … There was no hint, warning, anything that [she] should have done otherwise.”
“The Congresswoman, when she heard about this recently, has been speaking to Chairman Mica and leadership so we can come to an understanding and so the Congresswoman can continue to represent Seminole County and central Florida and the chairman can continue to represent his coastal district,” the source said.
“We have not said anything about where we are running,” Mica spokesman Alan Byrd said. “We’re going to release a statement once the state Legislature is done with their work. so we’re not announcing anything until that takes place.”
The proposed 7th contains 51 percent of Adams’ current district and 42 percent of Mica’s current district, according to statistics tabulated by the Legislature.