Jacob Ogles
Lawyer Yen Bailey will be the Democratic nominee challenging U.S. Rep. Neal Dunn, a Panama City Republican, in the General Election.
Democratic Executive Committee leaders in Florida’s 2nd Congressional District picked Bailey as the replacement nominee after Democrat Meghann Hovey dropped out. Hovey had been the only Democrat to qualify against Dunn this year, and was among the last federal candidates to qualify in the state earlier this year.
Of note, Bailey opened a Federal Election Commission account ahead of the news of Hovey’s announcement in an apparent effort to raise money for her own campaign. The law requires Bailey to pay her own qualification fee in order to appear on the ballot.
The Florida Democratic Party announced plans to run candidates in every legislative district this year, and Florida law allows the party to replace a nominee that drops out ahead of the General Election.
Hovey, when she withdrew, sent a letter to the state expressing her desire the party run another candidate in her stead.
“I am making this announcement at this time to ensure that the Florida Democratic Party will have sufficient time in advance of the November 5, 2024 general election to designate a nominee to fill the vacancy which is occasioned by my withdrawal from the election,” she wrote in a letter to Secretary of State Cord Byrd.
Bailey formally announced her candidacy this weekend.
“For too long, the people of this district have been left behind and ignored by do-nothing MAGA Republicans,” she posted on X. “I intend to change that. I will work on affordability, a fairer economy for all, and I will protect your rights, benefits, and freedom. When we vote, we win!”
Bailey will likely be the only Asian American running for Congress in Florida in the General Election.
Lucas Luzietti, a campaign consultant for Bailey, announced her selection as the nominee on the liberal blog, Daily Kos.
“Yen’s story embodies the American Dream. She and her brother were born in Destin, Florida, to South Vietnamese refugees,” he wrote.
“Her Mother’s harrowing journey to escape a war-torn country and her father’s story as a military pilot fleeing Saigon with his crew and dozens of civilians to seek sanctuary in the United States, has profoundly shaped her values and love for this country. She has over 13 years of experience as an ethics attorney at the Florida Bar. Yen has also advocated for neglected and abused children through the Guardian Ad Litem Program, further demonstrating her commitment to giving a voice to those most in need.”
But Dunn remains a favorite for re-election. He won 60% of the vote against Democrat Al Lawson in 2022, and nearly 55% of voters in the district favored Republican Donald Trump for President in 2020.
