TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) -- U.S. Representative Gwen Graham is wrapping up her two years in Congress, saying she was most rewarded by helping her north Florida constituents -- and that she is looking ahead to a possible bid for governor in 2018.
"It has been an honor of a lifetime to represent north Florida in Congress," Graham said, adding she never expected to serve as an elected official -- but she's determined to continue.
"This is a very bittersweet moment for me, but I am very much looking forward to the future," she said.
Graham was elected in 2014 to Florida's 2nd Congressional district. During her term, she's advocated for veteran services and returned thousands of dollars to north Florida residents.
"Of all the things that you do in Congress, there's nothing more important than helping people back home," Graham said.
January 2 is her last day, when she'll pack up her office at city hall, but the Capitol could be her new office if she decides to run for governor.
If she doesn't run, rumor has it another person at city hall might have a shot -- Tallahassee mayor Andrew Gillum.
Despite an online petition to get Gillum to run, the mayor has not indicated he will. Meanwhile, Graham said her decision will depend on her husband's health, after he was recently diagnosed with cancer.
"Life does throw you curveballs sometimes, but there is no one who is a bigger supporter of mine than my husband," she said.
Graham said she has no specific time as to when she'll announce a decision.
"Don't worry. It'll happen," she said. "It'll happen sooner rather than later, I predict."
Graham said she'll most likely spend her first day out of the office attending the swearing-in ceremonies of other elected officials.
She said she'll work with Congressmen-Elect Neal Dunn as he succeeds her in office.
