Today, Representative Patrick Murphy announced that he will run for the U.S. Senate in 2016. In response, Florida Democratic Party Chair Allison Tant released the following statement:

“Patrick Murphy is a champion for middle class families, and his commonsense approach to the tough issues facing Florida and our country has earned him praise from all corners. In Congress, Patrick has focused on strengthening Medicare and Social Security, standing up for our right to vote, protecting women’s rights, growing middle class jobs, and fighting for equal opportunity.

“I am glad Patrick has joined the race for the Democratic nomination to challenge Marco Rubio. For five years, Rubio has put his partisan ambitions and Washington’s wealthiest special interests ahead of Florida’s middle class families. They deserve better.”