GOP Rep. Daniel Webster to run in new Florida district

Republican Rep. Daniel Webster (Fla.), whose seat was redrawn to favor Democrats, is opting to run in a different district.

Webster announced Monday that he would will run for the seat held by retiring Rep. Richard Nugent (R-Fla.), according to The Tampa Bay Times.

Webster unsuccessfully ran twice for House Speaker, first in 2015 challenging John Boehner. He ran again after Boehner announced that he was stepping down.

{mosads}”For the past five years, I have fought to change the power-based, staff-driven congressional process into one based upon principles,” Webster said in a statement, announcing his plans.

He faced an uphill battle in his current Orlando-area district which became increasingly Democratic after being redrawn last year.

He will face a primary challenge from Justin Grabelle, Nugent’s chief of staff, who has secured an endorsement from his boss.

Grabelle took a swipe at Webster’s decision to change districts, saying that “career politicians seem to be more concerned with Washington’s inner workings than getting results for the people they represent.”

Both Webster and Grabelle live outside of Nugent’s redrawn district, though candidates can run in a district that they don’t reside in. Webster said in a statement that he’s already represented parts of the counties in his new district.

The only declared Democrat in the race is businessman Dave Koller.