New Smyrna Beach, Fla. - Suzanne Kosmas, a former State Representative from New Smyrna Beach, announced today that she is running to represent Florida's 24th Congressional District in the U.S. Congress. This District encompasses parts of Volusia, Brevard, Seminole, and Orange counties. Kosmas, a successful small business owner, is respected for her decades of community involvement and trusted leadership and seeks to bring her tenacity and integrity to Congress.

"I am running to bring a moderate, common-sense approach to decision making," said Kosmas. "I will be an independent and effective voice for working families, children, and seniors in this district, and ensure that their interests - not the special interests - are represented in Congress. This is the time for change in Washington, and I will work towards building consensus rather than engaging in lock-step partisan politics."

Suzanne Kosmas served four terms in the Florida House of Representatives, from 1996-2004, where she earned praise for her moderate, common-sense approach to government. She successfully fought for children's issues, including more money for local schools, and helped improve health care for senior citizens.

"I have a proven record of working effectively across party lines and will use this approach to attempt to change our country's direction and to bring civility and respect back to the process," Kosmas continued. "I will support efforts introduced by either party to make prescription drugs more affordable and health care more accessible. I will sponsor or support all efforts to balance our budget and to defend Social Security, not to privatize it. Most importantly, I will uphold my reputation as independent in my thoughts and actions in Congress."

Suzanne Kosmas has lived in New Smyrna Beach since 1973, and is the owner of Prestige Properties of New Smyrna Beach, a real estate company, which she founded in 1979. She has been active in the community for over 30 years, currently serving as Co-chair of the United Way Women's Initiative, Vice-Chair of the Boys & Girls Club of Volusia-Flagler, and on the Habitat for Humanity Southeast Volusia board. Kosmas was the former Chairman of the Board for the United Way of Volusia-Flagler County. Kosmas is a member of Coronado Methodist Church and is the proud mother of four grown children, Paul, Michael, David and Kristen, and grandmother of eight.

Kosmas graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Stetson University in 1998, accomplishing a life-long goal that began at Penn State University in 1961, and included George Mason University and Daytona Beach Community College. Kosmas was a sitting member of the Florida Legislature when she graduated.