Ellen Andel Ends Bid to Defeat Patrick Murphy

Juno City Commissioner, Ellen Andel announced on Tuesday she was ending her bid for Republican nomination to challenge freshman Rep. Patrick Murphy, D-Jupiter.

On Tuesday afternoon Andel released the following statement: “After much thought and discussion with my family, I have decided to end my run for Congress. The stress on my family has become more than I am willing to accept, and their health and happiness are my first and foremost priorities. I have a deep gratitude for all those who have believed in me and supported me. You will remain in my thoughts as I continue to advocate for a better future for our children and grandchildren.”

Andel had been campaigning for the GOP nomination since May 2013. During her time on the campaign trail she received numerous endorsements, including the endorsement of former Congressman Allen West. West who lost to Murphy in 2012, formally endorsed Andel at a fundraiser last November saying, “the person that I wholeheartedly support and that I endorse personally. My wife Angela and I are going to stand behind Ellen Andel and we hope and pray that each and every one of you will do the same, and a year from now, we will be talking about the new Representative from Congressional District 18, the Honorable Ellen Andel.” 

Even with Andel’s departure, the Republican primary in Congressional District 18 is not lacking candidates. Four others remain on the ballot; former state Rep. Carl Domino, former Tequesta councilman Calvin Turnquest, former Connecticut lawmaker Alan Schlesinger, and Jupiter nurse Beverly Hires.

The primary election will be held on August 26th.