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Raburn out in State House 57 race. Now who's in?

 
State Rep. Jake Raburn will not seek re-election.  (AP Photo/Steve Cannon)  ORG XMIT: FLSC104
State Rep. Jake Raburn will not seek re-election. (AP Photo/Steve Cannon) ORG XMIT: FLSC104
Published June 21, 2018

Well, that didn't last long.

U.S. Army veteran Michael Sean McCoy filed to run as the Republican candidate in the State House, District 57 race just hours after incumbent State Rep. Jake Raburn, R-Lithia, announced he was stepping down.

McCoy, who lives in Lithia, is the director of strategy and commercialization for Ideal Image and a West Point graduate. He faces Valrico's Debbie Katt, a software development engineer and political newcomer who has qualified to run.

Another Democrat, Layla Hartz, has yet to qualify.

McCoy did not return requests seeking comment.

Katt said she sees the entry of fellow political novice McCoy as "leveling the playing field."

"The sky is the limit at this point," she said. "I feel a little more energized."

Hartz said she "respects his (Raburn's) decision to step down."

"I'm happy that he's doing what's best for his family," she said.

Raburn was unchallenged in previous elections. Ione Townsend, chairwoman of the Hillsborough County Democratic Party, said the change in Republican challengers casts Democrats in a more favorable light.

"We thought we had a couple of good candidates anyway," she said. "Now, we see they're even stronger."

Raburn's lack of fundraising had not gone unnoticed by the Democrats, who are challenging all races in the upcoming election, Townsend said

"That is a big clue, but it still is a surprise," she said.

It's possible McCoy may draw another GOP challenger before the qualifying deadline on Friday, but it won't be Hillsborough County School Board Member Melissa Snively.

Snively, who lives in the district, said a number of people approached her about running for the seat, but she decided not to pursue the seat.

"I'm flattered by all the support and have carefully considered the opportunity after discussing it with my family," Snively wrote in a text. "I feel there is still much work to do in our school district to improve public education and want to be here for my family."

Raburn, who first won the seat in 2012, posted on his Facebook account on Monday that he would not seek re-election:

"The past six years have been the most surreal, humbling, overwhelming, exciting, challenging and gratifying on my journey thus far. What started as a glimmer of a dream in my heart many years ago, came to fruition in 2012 when you elected me to serve you by representing our community in the Florida House of Representatives.

"Since then, I have been honored and humbled to represent southeast Hillsborough County and all who call this place home. The highlights of this journey include helping meet unique and specific needs of our constituents and meeting new people who have become treasured friends.

"After much thought and many hours of prayer with my wife, Melissa, and our family, I've decided to not seek re-election this fall. While serving in the Florida House has been a tremendous honor and pleasure, my number one responsibility is to my family, and I'm confident my place right now is at home with them and in our family business."

Raburn did not return calls or text messages seeking comment.

Contact Kenya Woodard at hillsnews@tampabay.com.