District 14 Republican — Ehsan Joarder
Republicans have a weak field of challengers hoping to unseat the Democratic incumbent, Kathy Castor, who was first elected in 2006. But Ehsan Joarder would likely be the most competitive in a general election with his focus on jobs, education and other bipartisan priorities.
Joarder and his three Republican primary challengers all focus heavily on immigration, echoing calls by GOP candidates nationwide for stronger enforcement of border security. Joarder also wants to close the southern border temporarily and suspend foreign aid.
The 34-year-old entrepreneur talks more about controlling inflation and bringing greater transparency to Congress. He wants to reduce federal spending, support small businesses and create new affordable housing options. Joarder, who grew up in South Florida, said as the father of three young children he has more “skin in the game” compared to older lawmakers; he said he strongly supports increased funding for public schools and new investments in domestic infrastructure. He also promises to “prioritize bipartisan cooperation” and to interact regularly with constituents at town hall meetings.
Robert “Rocky” Rochford, 60, is a retired U.S. Navy captain and self-described “fiscal conservative” who says his leadership skills separate him from the pack. He wants more domestic energy production and opposes a ban on offshore drilling in Florida. Rochford promises to work across partisan lines but says America is endangered by a “far-left agenda” and that “the enemy is inside the gate.”
John Peters, a 60-year-old business owner and Lakeland resident, stresses border security and energy production. Neelam Taneja Perry, a 64-year-old physician, supports many of the same priorities. In terms of campaign contributions, most of the candidates in the race have raised only in the mid-five figures, and all are self-financing half or more of the costs of their campaigns. That doesn’t show much popular traction for any candidate.
Joarder is bright, a good communicator and financially competitive in this primary. He also has the strongest message if Republicans hope to compete in November for a district that covers western parts of Hillsborough County and eastern parts of Pinellas.
The Tampa Bay Times Editorial Board recommends Ehsan Joarder in the Republican primary for U.S. Representative, District 14.
