Due to redistricting in Florida, a U.S. representative and a state senator will likely go head-to-head for the congressional seat of the newly drawn district encompassing UF.
U.S. Rep. Cliff Stearns, R-Ocala, announced Wednesday he will seek a congressional seat in District 3 instead of District 11 because that is where most of his constituents now live.
Stearns will likely run against Florida Sen. Steve Oelrich, R-Cross Creek, for the District 3 congressional seat.
Oelrich is a former Alachua County sheriff and has filed to run for the District 3 congressional seat.
Because 70 percent of the population that helped petition to get him on the 2012 ballot now live in District 3, Stearns said in a press release, he felt he understands the needs and concern of its residents.
The newly drawn 3rd Congressional District includes most of Alachua County, which is also the only county entirely based in Oelrich's current legislative district.
Stearns said the new District 3 includes most of the eight counties he currently represents, as well as his Gainesville and Orange Park district offices.
Oelrich was unavailable for comment because he was in a legislative session.
The newly drawn congressional districts were approved by the Florida House of Representatives and the Florida Senate, said Katie Betta, spokeswoman for the Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives.
Gov. Rick Scott will have seven days to approve the new districts, Betta said.
