Florida Rep. Ron DeSantis, Republican, formally resigned from Congress early Monday.
In a letter to House Speaker Paul Ryan, DeSantis announced his immediate resignation from his position as a Florida congressman. The Republican said he’s quitting the office to focus his full efforts on the Florida governor’s race.
DeSantis said it would be “inappropriate” to accept a salary as a congressman when he’s spending his time campaigning outside Washington, D.C.
President Donald Trump endorsed DeSantis during the Republican primary, which DeSantis has credited for his victory. He said the president “kind of put me on the map.”
It has been an honor to serve the people of Florida's Sixth Congressional District. pic.twitter.com/j0SgILImyP
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) September 10, 2018
The former GOP lawmaker is in a neck-and-neck race against Democratic nominee Andrew Gillum, who is currently the mayor of Tallahassee, in the Florida governor race.
Gillum’s nomination was a surprise to political experts, who said his victory in the Democratic primary was an upset. Gillum has currently raised more money than DeSantis.
Current Florida Gov. Rick Scott, Republican, is leaving office this year due to term limits. Scott is currently running for a Florida senate seat.