Darryl Rouson Floats House Run, Faces Pushback
ST. PETERSBURG — A recent Florida Politics article suggests that Florida Sen. Darryl Rouson is considering a run for House District 62. That seat is currently held by Rep. Michele Rayner, who is vacating the seat to pursue Rouson's Senate seat. If he runs and wins, it would mark a return to the chamber he left nearly a decade ago.
But it may be a rocky path back to the Florida House if initial public reaction is any indication. “Rouson, pass the torch!” said Ray Tampa, former President of the St. Petersburg NAACP. “People have voted for term limits repeatedly and they didn’t intend for politicians to play musical chairs with the various offices.”
Kyandra Darling — the leading candidate for District 62 — says she’s not going anywhere. “I remain as committed to running and winning this race as I was on the day I declared my candidacy,” said Darling.
Darryl Rouson, 70, has more than $200,000 in his political committee, Floridians for Common Sense, administered by political consultant Barry Edwards. But Kyandra Darling, 32, seems unperturbed. Darling, who has so far reported more than $50,000 raised in the last two quarters, says voters are ready for change.
“At this pivotal moment for our state, our nation, and our party, voters are not just asking for change — they are demanding it,” said Darling. “They are demanding a power shift from the old guard to the next generation of leaders who will act with urgency, courage, and vision.”
The Florida Politics article about Rouson suggested that he is heeding a call from the local community to return to service. But initial comments on that article reflected frustration with the prospect of career politicians rotating between offices.
Cynthia Washington, who identified herself as a long-time supporter of Rouson, urged him to step aside. “Rouson has done his time. He should give the next generation a chance to lead,” she wrote.
“Unbelievable!” wrote commenter Gerry James, “This is exactly what establishment bureaucrats do. Follow the power and money folks.”
Shortly after these comments appeared, Florida Politics disabled further commenting on the article without explanation.
Rouson himself was not quoted in the Florida Politics article, and he has not made any public statement about whether he intends to run.