ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (Legal Newsline) - Despite losing by less than 4,000 votes, Alex Sink will not be seeking a rematch against Republican David Jolly, who won the special election for Florida's 13th congressional district last month.
The special election, held March 11, filled the seat left vacant by the late Rep. Bill Young, a Republican. Jolly, who captured 48.5 percent of the vote, squeaked past Democrat Sink, who landed 46.6 percent.
On Tuesday, morning Sink tweeted that she would not be running for office in 2014 but would keep an open dialogue with her supporters and seek new ways to serve.
Since 1983, Republicans have held the district. With Sink bowing out, Jolly's chances of keeping the district red may have improved, as no major contenders have stepped forward to challenge him in the November general election.
Following the special election, Steve Israel, chairman of the DCCC, said on MSNBC's "The Daily Rundown" that he hoped Sink would run again "because she did an extraordinary job."
On Tuesday, Israel issued a statement commending Sink on her run and condemning Jolly and his party.
"I commend Alex Sink for her strong campaign, which truly reflected her career of passionate service to Florida's families and I know she will continue to make significant contributions to her community," Israel said.
"In the last few weeks, Congressman David Jolly has become the latest face of the most reckless Republican Congress in modern history and he will be forced to campaign under the full weight of his party's toxic brand in November: raising taxes on middle class families, ending the Medicare guarantee for seniors, and jeopardizing economic growth for businesses - all to give more to corporate special interests and the ultra-wealthy."
Legal Newsline: Reach David Yates at elections@legalnewsline.com
Sink opts not to pursue rematch against House seat winner in Florida
