Broward County Commissioner Jared Moskowitz set the game of musical chairs in motion, announcing he will campaign for the seat held by retiring Congressman Ted Deutch.
On Feb. 28, Deutch announced he would not seek re-election and instead become chief executive officer of the American Jewish Committee. Deutch, 55, a Democrat and staunch advocate for better gun control laws, has served in Congress since 2010.
“I was shocked and surprised by Ted’s news, and then I thought how wonderful it was for him and our community,” said Rabbi Noah Kitty of Congregation Etz Chaim. “Ted has been an outstanding and successful advocate for his constituents for many years, and I look forward to seeing him continue his important work with the American Jewish Committee.”
Deutch chairs the House Committee on Ethics and Foreign Affairs subcommittee and is the senior member of the House Judiciary Committee. He represents Congressional District 22, which includes Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park and Wilton Manors. Redistricting maps are still being passed back and forth between the Florida legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis, making future representation uncertain. Census calculations increased the state’s congressional delegation to 28 districts.
Moskowitz, appointed to the county commission by DeSantis, is the first to publicly declare for the Deutch’s district. He immediately drew the support of Florida Senator Shevrin Jones.
“There was no secret where I was on this,” Jones tweeted. “@JaredEMoskowitz is more than just my best friend, but he’s also a damn good public servant. I am proud of my brother! Good luck, J!”
Florida Representative Carlos Guillermo Smith also expressed support for Moskowitz, who served in the statehouse before DeSantis appointed him director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management. Smith said Moskowitz has dedicated his life to public service.
“He always puts PEOPLE over politics and South Florida would be lucky to have him representing them in Congress!,” Smith tweeted. “I’m 100% with Jared!”
Alfredo Olvera, president of the Dolphin Democrats, said he expects more maneuvers to take place this week as voters in Broward County head to the polls to elect a state senator and various city officials. Olvera said some of the more prominent names mentioned for Deutch’s seat are Florida Senator Gary Farmer, Florida Representative Chip LaMarca and Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis.
Meanwhile, Deutch said he would continue to raise awareness in Congress about the threat of fentanyl. Deutch’s nephew Eli died last year from accidental fentanyl ingestion. Deutch is scheduled to begin his new role as AJC CEO on Oct. 1.
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