FEATURED LEGISLATOR: U.S. Representative Rich Nugent (R-FL)

District: Congressman Nugent currently represents the 5th district in Florida but is seeking re-election in the new 11th district, after it was re-drawn following the 2010 Census. The new 11th district includes part of Marion County that is home to numerous Thoroughbred farms, training centers, racing stables, the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association (FTBOA) and the Ocala Breeders Sales Company (OBS).

Experience: Congressman Nugent is serving his first term in the U.S. House of Representatives. He had a long law enforcement career prior to entering Congress, including more than a decade as Sherriff of Hernando County Florida.

Impact on horse racing: The NTRA hosted Congressman Nugent in Ocala earlier this year to help familiarize him with the Thoroughbred racing and breeding industry. We visited with FTBOA and OBS officials and also met with buyers and consignors at an OBS two-year-old in training sale. Our day in Ocala concluded with a tour of historic Live Oak Stud.

The NTRA federal legislative team is constantly building and maintaining relationships with key legislators, both senior elected officials and newer Members of Congress, from states and areas where racing has a large impact.