While Florida's Agriculture Commissioner is widely expected to run for governor, if Nikki Fried decides to run for reelection, she may face a challenge from a former congressman.
Tom Rooney served in two different Districts as a U.S. House member from 2008 until his announcement in 2018 that he would not seek reelection.
The Republican told Florida Politics that he is considering a run to head up the state's Department of Agriculture next year, saying he still has political ambitions.
Rooney left Congress to spend more time with his sons, while they were in high school. His youngest heads into his senior year in the fall.
The retired U.S. Army Jag officer says he is still gauging interest in a run and trying to find out how folks in Florida's agriculture community feel about Fried.
Rooney first served in District 16, which at the time encompassed portions of Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast. After redistricting, he ran for and won a seat in District 17, which covered a wide agricultural portion of the state.
Rooney has been back home in Tequesta since leaving the House.
Photo: U.S. House of Representatives