With Kendrick Meek resigning to seek a Senate seat, Florida's 17th congressional district will have its first non-Meek representative since 1993. District 17, with a Cook pvi of D+34, is one of the most Democratic leaning districts in the entire nation, so the real race is poised to take place in the Democratic primary.
State Sen. Frederica Wilson has already thrown her many, sparkling hats into the ring. Activist Marliene Bastian has officially filed, as have teacher Leroy Adam, state Rep. James Bush III, and former state Rep. Phillip J. Brutus. Now, state Rep. Yolly Roberson has officially made her intentions clear.
"I am so grateful to the residents of District 104 for trusting me to be their voice in the Florida Legislature for 4 consecutive terms. It has been an honor standing up for the working families, small business owners, children and seniors of my District. I am looking forward to continuing to represent them in the United States Congress," said Roberson in a press release sent out yesterday.
The fun part is that Roberson and Brutus used to be husband and wife, not to mention law partners. Needless to say, they're not on the best of terms.
Though, if either is elected they'd be the first Haitian-American to serve in the US House.