Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn has made it official – he’s running for Congress.
The longtime Ocala leader is running for Florida’s 3rd Congressional Seat currently held by Ted Yoho, who announced in December that he won’t seek re-election. Guinn is among eight Republicans vying for the GOP nomination.
Guinn, who became mayor in December 2011 after serving 12 years as a councilmember, said he’ll fight to “Keep America Great” as he serves alongside President Trump in Washington, D.C.
“Out-of-touch liberals like Nancy Pelosi, Adam Schiff and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are trying to fundamentally change our country into a socialist wonderland,” he said. “I cannot, in good faith, sit back and watch them continue to undermine our President anymore. The time to act is now.”
Guinn is a big supporter of the Second Amendment, a strong military and the border wall. He plans to run on a pro-life platform, calling it a “personal” issue for him.
“I was placed for adoption before my first birthday. My birth mother had me when she was only 19 years old,” he posted on his Facebook page recently. “Had it not been for her decision and personal responsibility, I would not be here today. My children would not be here today.”
Guinn said Democrats often talk about equality and science but are “eerily silent” when it comes to protecting the unborn.
“It is a scientific fact that life begins at conception,” he said. “Having children is one of God’s greatest gifts.”
Guinn added that he’s much more than “just a statistic.”
“I am living proof that a child can accomplish anything if given the opportunity,” he said. “I can guarantee that I will be one of the strongest defenders of life while serving in Congress.”
Guinn is currently serving his fifth consecutive term as mayor – a post he doesn’t have to give up seek the Congressional seat. He will face off in the August Primary Election against fellow Republicans Ed Braddy, Kat Cammack, Joe Dallas Millado, Amy Pope Wells, Gavin Rollins, Judson Sapp and James St. George. Democrats seeking their party’s nomination include Adam Christensen, Philip Dodds, Brandon Scott Peters, Richard Allen Rowe and Tom Wells.
Florida’s 3rd Congressional District includes all or parts of Alachua, Marion, Union, Putnam and Clay counties. The General Election will be held Nov. 3.