Neal Dunn Dropped Out of the Race Tuesday and Democrats Are Eyeing the Seat as a Potential Pickup

A bipartisan political action committee focused on strengthening global development programs is throwing its support behind Amanda Marie Green’s bid to be the Democratic nominee for Florida’s 2nd Congressional District.

“Humanitarian aid isn’t just about the United States stepping up as a global leader or saving lives abroad. It’s a proven, cost-effective strategy for preventing violent extremism, stopping health threats before they reach our borders, reducing forced migration, and disrupting fentanyl trafficking. It also strengthens global supply chains and opens international markets for American farmers in our district,” said Amanda.

Amanda Marie Green has spent her career working alongside USAID with its largest implementing partner to distribute lifesaving food, medicine, and technology to the world’s most vulnerable communities. She was recruited by Chemonics International while working on her master’s degrees in international affairs from Florida State University (FSU).

Cuts to humanitarian assistance have hit Florida’s 2nd District especially hard, because so much of that aid is produced there. FSU, located in the district, lost a $25 million contract focused on basic education after USAID was shut down. Additionally, USAID had been purchasing 2.2 billion pounds of produce a year from American farmers, including those in North Florida, to distribute to children abroad facing starvation and famine.

Amanda Marie Green has committed to supporting congressional efforts to allocate two percent of the federal budget to diplomacy and global development programs, noting the importance of building up soft power to complement defense spending and keep Americans safe.

“The stronger our diplomacy, the less likely we are to enter unnecessary wars or risk our troops' lives.” Amanda said, “Coming from a military family, this is paramount to me.”

Michael Belitzky, the Chief Strategy Officer at the PAC and a constituent of FL-2 said, “Now, more than ever, Congress needs strong leaders who understand the importance of American leadership on the world stage. Strategic humanitarian aid is paramount to our national security and benefits every American at home and abroad. Amanda is a doer, and knows how the recent cuts to humanitarian aid have impacted the local economy, especially agriculture. She will bring practical solutions and deliver results for her constituents. I am proud to support Amanda and offer her A4AL’s endorsement.”

Rep. Neal Dunn, R-Fla., announced Tuesday that he will not seek re-election, saying in a statement that he plans to step away from Congress after five terms.

Evan Power is “strongly considering” a run for the Republican primary. Speaking to reporters at the Florida Capitol, the chair of the Republican Party of Florida shared his intention to run for the seat, suggesting, however, that people should ‘hold their horses’ on the matter.

CD 2 consists of the eastern part of the Florida Panhandle along with much of the Big Bend region along the Emerald Coast. It includes Tallahassee and Panama City. With 49% of its residents living in rural areas, it is the least urbanized district in the state

The district has a Cook Partisan Voting Index rating of R+8. Now that there is no incumbent in the race, Democrats are eyeing the district as a potential pickup opportunity.

The 2026 Primary is Aug. 18, followed by the General Election on Nov. 3.