J.C. Derrick
U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack, R-Gainesville, was sworn in for her second term in Congress Saturday morning after the House GOP elected California Rep. Kevin McCarthy as speaker on the 15th vote.
“I’m thrilled to represent Florida’s Third Congressional District for two more years,” Cammack said in a statement. “The last two years serving this area were a true honor, and I’m excited to keep this momentum going into the new year and new Congress. I remain committed to supporting our farmers, ranchers, and producers, increasing access to high-speed, reliable, and affordable internet, and making North Central Florida the best place to live, work, and raise a family.”
Cammack, 34, represents 12 counties in North Central Florida, including Alachua, Bradford, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Levy, Suwannee and Union counties. Cammack’s district shifted to the west, including much of the area Republican Rep. Neal Dunn previously represented, following last year’s redistricting.Â
Cammack easily beat challengers in the Republican primary and in November’s general election to win her second term. She remains one of the youngest members of Congress.
Cammack supported McCarthy’s bid for speaker as a group of 20 Republicans sought to block him from ascending to the post. McCarthy made significant concessions to win over a chunk of his detractors and end the stalemate after 14 failed votes—marking the first time since 1923 the speaker had not won on the first ballot.
In her Saturday statement, Cammack expressed optimism about what Republican will accomplish in the new Congress.
“With Republicans now in the majority in the House, I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues to deliver for the American people through our Commitment to America—strengthening our economy, fortifying our communities and making them safer, protecting our fundamental American freedoms, and holding our government accountable,” Cammack said. “Republicans are poised to deliver on our policies and I look forward to getting to work.”