Navy veteran Rocky Rochford challenges Kathy Castor in Florida's 14th district

Navy veteran Rocky Rochford served his country for 33 years, holding the title of commodore. Now he is running to unseat 20-year incumbent Kathy Castor in Florida's 14th congressional district.

Rochford told Fox News Digital that Castor has authored only two bills that became law in two decades, both renaming post offices. He called her ineffective on affordability issues such as gasoline, groceries, electricity, and insurance.

He said his 33 years in the Navy and four years at Massachusetts Maritime Academy have prepared him to bring leadership and faith to Congress. Rochford argued that lawmakers who refuse to talk across party lines prevent progress.

Children's rights rank high on his agenda. Rochford has drafted a children's bill of rights that would create an oversight body for laws now scattered across 11 agencies. The measure would address online predators, AI protections for minors, parental rights, sports participation, adoption, foster care, and IVF.

Rochford also warned about foreign influence in U.S. elections, naming China-based donor Neville Roy Singham as a conduit for Chinese Communist Party funds. He said Iran, North Korea, and Russia are similarly active and called for an America-first approach that puts country before party.

He said he intends to represent the entire district, not only Republicans, and will listen to voters across the political spectrum. Energy independence, he added, is essential to lowering costs for families.

Rochford has also proposed legislation to retire the national debt by the 2060s. The plan would create an American National Debt Trust that would lock away surplus revenue and prevent Congress from spending it elsewhere. He said the debt would reach $61 trillion in 10 years if no action is taken.

Florida's primary election is August 18.