Midterm Elections

DeSantis Resigns From Congress To Focus On Florida Governor Campaign

U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis said he's resigning to "honor [his] principles and protect the taxpayer."

DeSantis Resigns From Congress To Focus On Florida Governor Campaign
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Republican Rep. Ron DeSantis said Monday he's resigning his seat in Congress as he focuses on his bid for Florida governor. 

In a letter addressed to House Speaker Paul Ryan, DeSantis said his campaign will probably make him miss "the vast majority" of remaining House sessions this year, and because of that, he feels accepting a salary from the House would be "inappropriate." He also requested his resignation be retroactive to Sept. 1 and that he not be paid for the full month of September.

DeSantis has been a representative for Florida's 6th congressional district since early 2013. He's running against Tallahassee mayor and Democratic nominee Andrew Gillum for governor. According to a recent poll from Quinnipiac University, both candidates are currently ranked pretty even, with 47 percent of voters saying they'd vote for DeSantis come November.