Costello stays in CD 6 race after others exit

BY THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

State Rep. Fred Costello, R-Ormond Beach, said Thursday he will battle Congressman Ron DeSantis for the Republican nomination in a Northeast Florida congressional district, after two other GOP hopefuls dropped out Wednesday. DeSantis had planned to run for the U.S. Senate but decided Wednesday to seek re-election in Congressional District 6, which includes all or parts of St. Johns, Flagler, Volusia and Lake counties. DeSantis' move came after U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., decided to seek re-election. DeSantis' re-election bid caused Brandon Patty and state Rep. David Santiago, R-Deltona, to end their campaigns in Congressional District 6, with Santiago moving quickly to seek re-election in his state House district. But Costello issued a statement Thursday saying he will continue seeking to get elected to Congress. "Let me be clear. Congressman DeSantis and I both have outstanding conservative records," Costello said in the statement. "This election will be based upon who the voters believe will best serve our community. Nobody is better prepared or will work harder to benefit the residents of Congressional District 6 than I. My record of Congressional District 6 community service is unmatched."