Larry Lee reconsiders re-election after announcing retirement, citing Parkland shooting

Florida Rep. Larry Lee this week said he may run for re-election after all.

The three-term Port St. Lucie Democrat's statement Monday came five days after he announced his impending retirement during a House Democratic Caucus meeting.

MORE: Lee cites mass school shooting in retirement announcement

"I made a very emotional decision not to seek re-election ... following a trying time amid session," Lee wrote of his March 7 announcement.

"But after receiving countless text messages, phone calls and emails from people in District 84 and around the state asking me to reconsider, I have decided to heed their call."

MORE: Read Anthony Westbury's upcoming column (March 16 online, March 18 print)

Lee had expressed his frustration with a partisan and ineffective Legislature, saying teenagers who survived the Feb. 14 Parkland shooting have accomplished more.

Lee's latest statement said he plans to take a couple of weeks to debate the matter with his family before making his decision final.

Final term

House term limits mean Lee is eligible for one more two-year term.

His current term expires Nov. 6. He first was elected in 2012.

No candidates had filed to run for the seat as of March 13, including Lee, according to the Florida Division of Elections.

District 84 covers parts of north and south Hutchinson Islands and the mainland from northwest Fort Pierce to western Port St. Lucie to southern Jensen Beach.



