Tallahassee’s Premier Political Forum

Jim Rosica is the news director of the Tallahassee Democrat and Tallahassee.com and serves as coordinator of the USA TODAY Network–Florida Capital Bureau. In that role, he oversees newsroom operations and coverage while helping guide state government reporting across the network.

Rosica has extensive experience covering Florida politics, government and the courts. He previously served as senior editor for the Florida Politics website and as the statehouse reporter for The Tampa Tribune. Before that, he covered three legislative sessions for The Associated Press in Florida, reporting on policy debates, elections and the legislative process.

Earlier in his career at the Tallahassee Democrat (1997-2005), Rosica spent nearly a decade covering courts, including extensive reporting on the 2000 presidential recount. His work has focused on accountability, public institutions and the intersection of law and government.

Rosica earned his law degree from Drexel University in Philadelphia in 2009. He is now an inactive member of the Pennsylvania Bar. His background in both journalism and law informs his approach to coverage of complex legal and political issues.

Keith Gross is the definition of an American success story. Raised by a single mother in the Florida Panhandle, he worked his way through school, overcame the odds, and build his business right here in Florida. His journey from poverty to prosperity is a testament to hard work, pure faith, and a never-quit attitude.

A successful businessman, Keith is the owner of numerous American-made and based companies. Through his leadership, he has expanded his businesses and created jobs for hundreds of Americans, proving that free enterprise and perseverance are the backbone of the American Dream.

An unapologetic Trump supporter, Keith wasn’t always a registered Republican, just like Donald Trump and Ronald Reagan. But ever since Trump came down the escalator in 2015 to announce his candidacy, Keith has been a tried-and-true supporter of his America First agenda.

A freedom absolutist, Keith believes the U.S. Constitution is the greatest governing document in the world. Our Founding Fathers entrusted us not only with freedom but with the duty to defend it whenever necessary. He stands firmly against government overreach and believes that individual liberty is paramount to keeping America strong. Keith Gross has built his life and success on the values of faith, hard work, and unwavering dedication to freedom, principles he will always fight to protect

Luke Murphy is a lifelong Floridian whose calling to serve others began early. At just ten years old, Luke felt a deep pull toward service, shaped by a family legacy rooted in duty and sacrifice. Following in the footsteps of his father, a former Marine Corps officer, Luke joined the Army National Guard at age seventeen.

After the terrorist attacks of September 11, Luke made a defining choice. He voluntarily left the National Guard to serve on active duty as an infantryman, requesting assignment to the 101st Airborne Division. Staff Sergeant Luke Murphy (Ret.) deployed twice to Iraq – first in 2003 during the initial invasion, and again in 2005–2006, when he led an eleven-man reconnaissance team during some of the war’s most intense fighting. In 2007, Luke was catastrophically wounded by an IED blast in Sadr City, Baghdad, resulting in the loss of his right leg and severe injuries to his left. He was medically retired but never broken.

Luke’s recovery became a testament to resilience through adversity. Following extensive surgeries, he earned a degree in Political Science from Florida State University, competed in marathons, and emerged as a leading advocate for wounded veterans. His award-winning memoir, Blasted by Adversity, has sold thousands of copies and inspired audiences nationwide. Today, Luke is a sought-after keynote speaker, known for delivering powerful messages about perseverance, leadership, faith, and purpose. In October 2015, Luke had the distinct privilege of opening for Donald J. Trump at one of his original campaign rallies

Jim Norton is a husband, father, and proven leader who has dedicated his life to serving the people of Northwest Florida. A fourth-generation resident of Gulf County, Jim’s roots in the Florida Panhandle run deep, and his record reflects a consistent commitment to delivering results for the communities he calls home.

Before entering public service, Jim built a successful career in banking and business, serving in senior leadership roles including Senior Vice President, Senior Trust Officer, and Director of Business Development for respected regional institutions. This private-sector experience shaped his disciplined approach to fiscal management and economic growth.

In 2011, Jim was appointed by Governor Rick Scott to serve as Superintendent of Gulf County Schools. Over more than a decade of leadership, he has earned a reputation for responsible stewardship, strong financial oversight, and a focus on student success grounded in North Florida values.

Jim holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Troy University and earned his Juris Doctor from Faulkner University, Jones School of Law. He is admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States.

Jim Norton is a fiscal conservative who believes the government must operate with the same discipline as the families and small businesses it serves. He supports balanced budgets, accountability in spending, and policies that promote long-term economic growth across Florida’s 2nd Congressional District.

He is a strong advocate for school choice and believes expanding economic opportunity is essential to ensuring that families can build successful futures without leaving North Florida. His vision prioritizes job creation, workforce development, and strengthening local economies.

Jim supports secure borders and the enforcement of immigration laws, while recognizing the importance of a lawful and fair process for those seeking to come to the United States the right way and contribute to our economy.

He is committed to American energy independence, supporting increased domestic production to reduce costs for families and businesses while strengthening national security.

Guided by faith and traditional family values, Jim believes in protecting religious liberty and standing firmly against discrimination of any kind, including anti-religious bias.

Jim Norton is running for Congress to ensure that future generations can enjoy the same freedoms, economic opportunities, and access to the outdoors and waterways that define the quality of life in Northwest Florida.

Jim is a steadfast defender of the Second Amendment and is committed to protecting the constitutional right to keep and bear arms. He will consistently oppose efforts that infringe on these freedoms and will work to ensure they are preserved for future generations

Evan Power has been serving as the Chair of the Republican Party of Florida since January 2024 and is a member of the Republican National Committee. Before this role, he chaired the Leon County Republican Party and was the Vice Chair of the Republican Party of Florida.

Evan’s political journey began after he graduated from Florida State University with a degree in Finance. He worked for Florida Representative Marco Rubio and became actively involved in the Leon County Republican Party. Despite the county’s Democratic lean, he led the local party to notable victories, including Corey Simon’s historic win for a state Senate seat that had not been held by Republicans since Reconstruction.

Evan is a three-time delegate to the Republican National Convention and has twice been elected to serve on the Convention’s Rules and Order Committee. Within the Republican National Committee, Evan currently serves on the Rules, Election Integrity and Presidential Nomination Process committees.

In January 2024, Evan was elected Chair of the Republican Party of Florida, receiving endorsements from prominent Republican figures such as Governor Ron DeSantis, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, Congressman Matt Gaetz, and former state party chairs Blaise Ingoglia and Joe Gruters. He lives in Tallahassee with his wife, Melissa, their son Emerson, and daughter Evelyn.

Austin Rogers is a lifelong Panama City native, conservative attorney, and former General Counsel to U.S. Senator Rick Scott. Born and raised in Bay County, Austin is running for Congress in Florida’s 2nd Congressional District to be a strong, reliable vote for President Donald Trump’s America First agenda and to build a better future for his children.

Austin graduated from Mosley High School and played college soccer before earning his law degree from Duke University. He comes from a family deeply rooted in service. His father was a fighter pilot and flew two tours with the USAF Thunderbirds. He retired from Tyndall Air Force Base, where he now trains the next generation of warriors defending our skies. Austin’s mother spent her career as a local schoolteacher and continues to volunteer in Bay District Schools.

As General Counsel to Senator Rick Scott, Austin worked on the front lines of the conservative movement, helping advance President Trump’s agenda and fighting back against radical Democrat policies. His work delivered real results for Northwest Florida, including supporting Eastern Shipbuilding, strengthening public safety efforts, and helping local fishermen and small businesses navigate federal red tape.

Austin brings real, hands-on experience and is ready to deliver results on day one. He has extensive experience drafting legislation, conducting congressional hearings, and leading investigations holding the radical left accountable.

Austin and his wife, Hala, a dermatologist, returned home to Panama City to raise their family. They live there with their three children.

Guided by faith, family, and service, Austin Rogers is running to secure the border, defend Florida values, back law enforcement and the military, and put American families first

A 6th generation Floridian in the Big Bend/Panhandle area with his family roots starting in Taylor County. Audie is a lifelong Floridian and Republican who served as a public
servant for nearly 40 years as a Law Enforcement officer, starting in 1986 in the Tallahassee/Leon County area and ending as Chief Deputy with the Walton County Sheriff’s office in 2025.

Law Enforcement Experience non Leadership roles

• 12 years patrol
• 12 years SWAT Entry Team Operator
• 8 years Vice and Narcotics Investigator

Leadership Roles

• Chief Deputy of 650+ employee full accredited Law Enforcement Agency with over a $100 million dollar budget
• Director of Emergency Management over a fully accredited Fire Rescue Department
• Project Manager of multi-million Technology upgrade
• Acting Executive co-chair Florida Domestic Security Task Force Region 1
• Acting Executive co-chair Domestic Security Oversight Council
• SWAT Chief Bureau Chief Information Technology and Support Services
• Lieutenant Patrol Division
• Sergeant over Reserve Unit

Education:

• FBI National Academy #279
• Florida State University (BS)
• Southern Police Institute
• Tallahassee Community College (AA)
• Florida CJSTC
• North Florida Christian School
  Past and Present Organizations
  Emerald Coast Childrens Advocacy Center (Board President)
• Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation
• Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers
• Walton County Chamber of Commerce
• Capital City Republican Club
• Optimist Club if Tallahassee

Personal

Married, four children and one grandchid

Audie believes the 2nd Congressional District needs a leader that understands the
culture and challenges of the district. His time in congress will not be about status but rather about service.

Audie also believes our country needs to remain committed to the values this country was founded on, that being our Christian/family values, our constitutional values, our
capitalistic values and our constitutional republic values.

Audie believes President Trump has charted a bold American first agenda and want to create a vision moving forward on how we continue down this path long after President Trump has left office.