TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Local Florida House Rep. Joe resigned on Thursday, one day after authorities announced his indictment on charges of defrauding a federal coronavirus loan program for small businesses.
Harding, a 35-year-old Republican, sent a resignation letter to House Speaker Paul Renner saying he needs to focus on his upcoming trial, which is scheduled to start on Jan. 11.
“Now is the time to allow someone else to serve my district,” said Harding, who represented a North-Central Florida portion of the state that includes Levy and part of Marion County.
Renner said in a statement that he understands and respects the decision. Republicans hold substantial majorities in both houses of the Florida Legislature. Gov. Ron DeSantis will have to call a special election to replace Harding.
Harding posted a statement on his Facebook page on Thursday that he is resigning effective immediately, saying that Floridians’ leaders should not be burdened by distractions that are “mine alone.”
“When I decided to run in in 2019 for the Florida House, I did so for two simple reasons: I love people, and I love Florida. Today, I am resigning from my position for the same two reasons: I love people, and I love Florida,” he said.
Harding said in the statement that he cannot comment on the details of his case, but would more detail when he is able. He said he wanted to reassure his constituents and taxpayers that he repaid “every penny” of the loan he obtained and has done the best he can to cooperate with authorities.
“It has been a great honor to serve the people of this state and more specifically the people of Levy and Marion Counties. However, due to legal issues that require my complete focus, it is my opinion that now is the time to allow someone else to serve my district,” he said.
Harding is accused of illegally obtaining or trying to obtain more than $150,000 from the Small Business Administration in pandemic aid loans. He is being charged with two counts of wire fraud, two counts of money laundering and two counts of making false statements.
Harding became nationally known this year over his sponsorship of the Parental Rights in Education law that forbids instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade, as well as material that is not deemed age-appropriate.
On Wednesday, he issued a statement saying, “I want the public and my constituents to know that I fully repaid the loan and cooperated with investigators as