Dennis Ross, initially elected in 2010 to Florida’s 15th Congressional District that had been held by Adam Putnam, thumped Jim Lange, his Democratic rival last fall, 58 to 42 percent.
As the senior GOP deputy House majority whip, Ross has mostly been a steadfast backer of President Donald Trump and spoke out enthusiastically upon the successful passage of the American Health Care Act in early May.
“After seven long years, Americans across Florida and the entire nation can breathe a sigh of relief today because we fulfilled our promise to repeal and replace Obamacare,” he declared.
After the AHCA vote, the Cook Political Report’s Partisan Voting Index gives CD 15 a +6 Republican lean.
Ross was No. 19 in the 2016 survey.
Joe Henderson’s Take
“As senior deputy whip for Republicans in the U.S. House, Ross is moving steadily up the ranks. Part of that, no doubt, is that he sticks reliably to GOP talking points (taxes, Obamacare, et al: BAD). He has worked with Democrat Kathy Castor on things like flood insurance though, and one-on-one he is an engaging fellow. Democrats are lining up in Polk County to challenge for his seat. They will not be successful.”
For a complete explanation of how this list was created and who made up the panel that amassed it, please read here.
