Shay Williams for Congress

Tampa, FL – February 3rd, 2026 – Retired U.S. Coast Guard Commander Shay Williams, a decorated military aviator and dedicated public servant, today officially launched his campaign for U.S. Congress in Florida’s 14th Congressional District. Running as a Republican, Williams aims to bring his nearly three decades of leadership in protecting American lives to Washington, focusing on practical solutions to lower costs, secure communities, and strengthen Tampa Bay
families.

A Hillsborough resident with deep roots in service, Williams has flown rescue and law enforcement missions, led teams through high-pressure operations, and responded to over ten major hurricanes, including Katrina, Rita, and Ian. As a Distinguished Flying Cross recipient and former counter-narcotics mission leader, he has worked alongside federal law enforcement to combat drug trafficking and keep communities safe. After retiring from the Coast Guard, Williams served veterans as a VA disability rater and remains committed to supporting those who have served, drawing from his own experience as a veteran.

“Leadership isn’t about politics, it’s about duty, service, and putting American families first,” said Williams. “I’ve spent my career solving real-world problems under pressure, from saving lives in storms to stopping dangerous drugs at our borders. Washington needs more of that accountability and less of the career politicians who’ve failed to deliver. I’m running to make life more affordable, our communities safer, and the Tampa area stronger for everyone.”

Williams’ campaign priorities reflect the urgent needs of Florida’s 14th District, which includes parts of Tampa and Hillsborough County:

• Lowering Costs and Strengthening the Economy: Fighting inflation, reining in wasteful spending, reducing regulatory burdens on small businesses, lowering housing costs, addressing rising property taxes, and pushing back on utility rate hikes.
• Immigration Reform and Border Security: Securing the border, enforcing existing laws, fixing the broken immigration system to make it lawful and fair, and stopping the flow of fentanyl and human trafficking.
• Affordable Healthcare and Insurance Reform: Making healthcare more accessible, tackling rising health and property insurance premiums, and protecting seniors on fixed incomes.
•  Public Safety and Secure Communities: Backing law enforcement and first responders, defending U.S. sovereignty and the Constitution, and using national security expertise to keep drugs out of neighborhoods.
• Veterans, Military Families, and MacDill AFB: Improving veteran care, increasing military housing allowances, and supporting MacDill Air Force Base to make Tampa Bay a premier destination for military families.
• Protecting Florida’s Future: Securing federal funding for hurricane preparedness, improving beaches and waterways, and expanding youth programs to prepare students for an AI-driven world.

Williams believes that career politicians, including the current representative, have let down Florida families by failing to address these critical issues. His campaign is rooted in real-world experience and a commitment to results over rhetoric.

For more information, visit www.VoteShayWilliams.com or follow @Williamsforcongress on
social media.

Date Posted: February 4, 2026