Tampa Republican Jackie Toledo announces congressional campaign

State Rep. Jackie Toledo, R-Tampa, announced Monday that she will run for Congress this year instead of seeking another term in the Florida House.

Though congressional districts remain to be finalized in the once-a-decade reapportionment process, Toledo plans to run in a redrawn Congressional District 15.

Under maps approved last week by the Legislature, that district would include parts of northern Hillsborough County and Pasco County.

Gov. Ron DeSantis has threatened to veto the legislative plan because of issues involving other districts. Toledo, 45, was first elected to the state House in 2016.

“Capitalism and individual freedoms are under attack,” Toledo said in a prepared statement Monday. “Congress needs people that will protect our values and stand up for our children’s future. I will represent our region and state by protecting the rule of law and fighting to keep more in your pocket.”