TAMPA, FL — Shay Williams, Republican candidate for Florida’s 14th Congressional District, today released the following statement in response to Governor Ron DeSantis’s proposed congressional redistricting map, which would reshape Tampa Bay’s representation in Washington and create a historic opportunity to flip the district red:
“This is a win for the people of Tampa Bay. For 20 years, the families of this district have been represented by a career politician who became part of the Washington machine while our costs kept rising, our infrastructure kept falling behind, and our community kept waiting for real results. Today, the people of Tampa Bay have a real shot at new representation — and I intend to be the leader who delivers it.”
“I didn’t wait for a favorable map to start working. I’ve already written ten common-sense conservative bills that are ready to go on Day One. A Balanced Budget Roadmap Act to force Congress to stop spending money we don’t have. A Manufacturing Revival Act to bring jobs and production back to Tampa. An Energy Abundance Act to crush utility costs for every family and business in this district. Plans, not promises — that’s what Tampa deserves.”
Governor DeSantis released the proposed map today ahead of a special legislative session beginning Tuesday, April 28. The new map would disassemble the current CD-14, which has been held by a Democrat since 2007, into several Republican-favoring seats, a move the Governor says more fairly represents the makeup of Florida today.
“Governor DeSantis made a promise to conduct mid-decade redistricting, and he’s delivering on that promise,” Williams continued. “Florida’s population has grown by over 760,000 people since the last census.
The current map doesn’t reflect the Tampa Bay that exists today. Our community has changed, our needs have changed, and it’s time our representation changes with it.”
ABOUT SHAY WILLIAMS
Shay Williams is a retired U.S. Coast Guard Commander and U.S. Army veteran with nearly 30 years of military service. He flew UH-60 Blackhawks with the 82nd Airborne Division, led search and rescue missions across the Gulf Coast, and earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for rescuing more than 90 people during Hurricane Katrina — one of the largest aerial rescue operations in U.S. history. A third-generation military service member and lifelong Republican, Williams managed a fleet of 98 Coast Guard helicopters valued at $1.9 billion and spent four years intercepting drug traffickers in the Caribbean and Florida Straits.
Williams is running on the Tampa Mission Plan — a three-step agenda to lower costs and grow the economy, secure the border and protect communities, and build resilient infrastructure for Tampa Bay’s future. He has authored ten common-sense conservative bills ready for introduction on Day One, including the National Balanced Budget Roadmap Act, the American Manufacturing Revival Act, the Immigration Reform Act, and the American Energy Abundance Act.
WHY THIS MATTERS FOR TAMPA BAY
The redistricting presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Tampa Bay voters to elect conservative leadership to Congress. Williams emphasized that his campaign was built long before any map was drawn:
“I’m not running because the map changed. I’m running because Tampa Bay deserves a Congressman who shows up with a plan, not partisan games. I managed billion-dollar military programs on budget and on deadline. I rescued Americans when the system failed them. And I wrote ten bills before I ever asked for a single vote. That’s the kind of leadership this district and Americans need — regardless of where the lines are drawn.”
Shay Williams for Congress Campaign
press@voteshaywilliams.com
www.VoteShayWilliams.com
Date Posted: April 28, 2026
