Retired U.S. Coast Guard Commander Shay Williams has launched his congressional bid for U.S. House District 14, arguing that “career politicians” like incumbent Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL) should be voted out.
Rep. Castor was first elected to U.S. House District 11 in 2007. She served the district until 2013, when the 2010 census gave Florida two additional congressional seats. Rep. Castor’s district was renumbered U.S. House District 14, and she has served the district ever since.
Williams, who is a decorated military aviator and dedicated public servant, unveiled his candidacy today, vowing to turn the seat red.
“Leadership isn’t about politics, it’s about duty, service, and putting American families first,” Williams said in a statement. “I’ve spent my career solving real-world problems under pressure, from saving lives in storms to stopping dangerous drugs at our borders.”
Williams announced a platform addressing issues such as lowering costs and strengthening the economy; immigration reform and border security; affordable healthcare and insurance; public safety and secure communities; protecting Florida’s future; and support for veterans, military families, and MacDill Air Force Base.
“Washington needs more of that accountability and less of the career politicians who’ve failed to deliver,” Williams added in his announcement, affirming that he’s “running to make life more affordable, our communities safer, and the Tampa area stronger for everyone.”
Rep. Castor won re-election in 2024 with 56.9% of the vote, compared with Robert Rochford’s 41.6%.
The district encompasses western Hillsborough County and southeastern Pinellas County, including most of Tampa and some of St. Petersburg.
