The Democrat was challenging Republican Greg Steube to replace U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney.

April Freeman, the Democratic candidate to replace U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney in District 17, died Sunday.

Her husband, David Freeman, posted the news on her Facebook page Monday afternoon by writing: “It's with great sadness that I feel I must inform all of you that my beloved wife April passed away suddenly last night. To all of her family and friends here on Facebook, my heart aches with you.”

In a brief phone interview Monday, he added, “It appears that she was having a heart attack.

“That’s all I know right now,” Freeman continued. “I’ll post more ... I have no further comment.”

April Freeman, 54, was making her third run for Congress, opposing the Republican nominee, Sarasota state Sen. Greg Steube, for the District 17 seat.

She lost to Rooney in 2016 and in 2014 lost the District 19 seat to Curt Clawson.

Freeman put her career as a TV and film producer on hold in pursuit of a congressional seat, relying on the income of her husband, David, a union pipefitter and HVAC specialist.

She is survived by two children and two grandchildren.

In a prepared statement, Florida Democratic Party Chair Terrie Rizzo expressed sadness over Freeman’s death.

“April put her heart and soul into her community — and was dedicated to making a better future for all Floridians,” Rizzo said. “Just last night she was in the office, making calls and working to get out the vote.

“Her work ethic and passion was an inspiration to all of us,” she added. “It is a tremendous loss to the Democratic Party and to all who knew her.

“Our hearts break for her family and loved ones, who are grieving her loss.”

Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Ron Turner said: "The state party will work with local county parties that are affected to come up with a nominee.

“The ballot's already printed so essentially a vote for April Freeman will be for whoever the nominee ends up being," he added.

Steube tweeted Monday: “My thoughts & prayers are with April Freeman’s family in the wake of her tragic passing. I respect her service to our community and admire her commitment to the causes she cared about. Out of respect to her memory, next week’s campaign events will be canceled.”



District 17 covers a sprawling area touching nine counties, including portions of Sarasota and Charlotte.

Freeman, who grew up in Michigan, in a Republican household, had a longtime interest in party politics.

She volunteered at 16 for Ronald Reagan’s presidential campaign in 1980.

In 2012, she worked as a fellow on the re-election campaign of President Barack Obama.

Freeman had a bachelor's degree in communications from the University of Michigan.

In 2013, she graduated from both the EMILY’s List Political Opportunity Program and the Women’s Campaign School at Yale University, which is administered by the Yale Law School.

Political editor Zac Anderson contributed to this story.