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Spring Hill pastor announces run for Congress

 
Published Jan. 6, 2016

SPRING HILL — Jack Martin, a minister who lives in Spring Hill, has announced his candidacy for the District 11 congressional seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Richard Nugent.

Martin, 64, is senior pastor at the Praise Family Worship Center in Hudson, according to his announcement, and was the longtime chaplain for the former Spring Hill Fire Rescue District.

In the statement, Martin identifies himself as a "constitutional conservative" and a member of the "religious right." He criticizes current lawmakers for being too willing to compromise on conservative principles. "We continue to elect those who have occupied Washington, D.C., and the halls of Congress for seemingly endless periods of time," he wrote.

Nugent announced last year that he would not seek re-election in the district, which includes Hernando and extends north to Marion County. Nugent immediately threw his support behind his longtime chief of staff, Justin Grabelle, who will be opposed by Democratic candidate Dave Koller.

U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster, R-Winter Garden, has previously stated he is exploring a run in the heavily Republican district.

Times staff