Scott Randolph will not seek re-election, will run for State Party Chair
He’s been been very quiet despite the loud rumors swirling around Orlando. As first reported here at West Orlando News, news slipped that State Representative Scott Randolph would not run for state house weeks ago and then escalated last week with reports of Randolph being ousted on Grayson’s congressional campaign and facing internal strife at the local Democratic Party level.
Well, Randolph confirmed today and made official what has been the talk of town in progressive circles for weeks: that he will not seek re-election and is preparing to run for Democratic State Party Chair. Randolph pretty much admits that Republican redistricting did him in and that focusing on his state party run would be “unfair” to constituents.
“Today, I announce that I will not seek reelection in November,” Randolph issued in a release. “I will instead focus my efforts on ensuring that the Orange County Democratic Party plays a vital role in the many races in Central Florida–as well as ensuring victory for President Obama and Senator Nelson–and preparing to run for the statewide office of Chair of the Florida Democratic Party in January 2013.”
Linda Stewart, who was running for State Senate, will now change course and run for Randolph’s open house seat. Stewart was set to face off against Victoria Siplin and Geraldine Thompson in a contested Democratic primary, but now will face off in a district that will likely go Republican in November.
Since becoming local party chair, Randolph’s local demeanor has shifted for many progressive Democrats, including several running for local office who have been unable to reach their local Chair. Randolph has also taken some criticism from fellow Democrats for his travels around the state to other DECs, obviously signaling the active campaigning for the state party chair position has been going on for months.
Stewart seems to have ensured Randolph’s support moving forward. She also took the smart move of having Randolph express that support and pledge to help campaign in writing, which should prevent some of the treatment other local Democratic candidates have faced when reaching out to Randolph recently.
“I proudly endorse Linda Stewart as the Democratic candidate in Florida House District 47,” said Randolph. “I look forward to helping her campaign to victory in November.”
Um, you guys predicted that Rudolph’s wife would run so you did not have the story correct to begin with. Obviously you are new to politics.
Also, what is your unhealthy obsession with Rudolph anyways?
Linda will make a FANTASTIC candidate and has a strong record on the environment, LGBT rights, and is a true progressive. I only wish we had some real progressives like her who had run for mayor this past spring.