Today, retired Air Force Colonel E.J. Otero announced that he will be a candidate for Congress in Florida’s 11th District. In an announcement in front of one of Tampa’s unemployment offices, Otero was joined by key supporters including Norma Reno, Brig. Gen. Hector Pagan (USA ret.), and Maj. Gen. David Scott (USAF ret.).

EJ Otero announces campaign for Congress

“E.J. Otero served with distinction and has the experience and commitment to lead our country forward in Congress,” said Maj. Gen. Scott (USAF, Ret.), “I am very pleased that E.J. has made this additional commitment to serve his country.”

The Otero campaign manager will be former State Representative Deborah Tamargo who has extensive experience organizing key segments of the Republican base in get-out-the vote-efforts. Otero will soon be announcing other leaders who are endorsing his campaign.

“I know that serving in Congress is no small thing and no small sacrifice,” said Otero. “But I am motivated to serve based on my deep love for this country, and I feel that my life experience has prepared me to make a difference.”

In his remarks, Otero committed to advocate for a strong defense system, a better economy, and Congressional reform.

Colonel Evelio “E.J.” Otero, Jr. (Air Force retired) is currently an independent political/military commentator and intelligence contractor.

Media Coverage of Otero Campaign Announcement

Colonel Otero retired after 28 years of service, of which 22 were in active duty. He spent 14 years working out of MacDill Air Force Base, first at U.S. Central Command and later at U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) in Tampa, Florida. Recently at USSOCOM from 2006 to 2010 he was in charge of International Engagement dedicated to developing agreements with equivalent Special Operations Commands around the world in support of U.S. military efforts worldwide. In this capacity Colonel Otero took the lead in negotiating partnerships with five key U.S. partners: Poland, France, Great Britain, Colombia, and Jordan. He is credited with being the founding architect of a strategic Special Operations Forces (SOF)—dedicated coalitions for future operations at USSOCOM.

Colonel Otero is a recipient of the Defense Superior Service medal. He also earned the Defense Meritorious Service medal 4 times, 3 Joint Service Commendation Medals, 2 Air Force Commendation Medals, Air Force Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and several other military and international awards and recognitions.

“America is nothing to be apologized for, nothing to be ashamed of. America has given the most freedom and the most prosperity to the most people of any nation in the history of earth,” said Otero. “And as your Congressman, I will be a part of the leadership team that preserves that freedom for future generations.”