Scott aide quits before Senate race decision

TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Rick Scott’s chief of staff, Jackie Schutz Zeckman, resigned Sunday, the latest sign that he will jump into the U.S. Senate race against incumbent Bill Nelson, DOrlando.

Zeckman, aide to 31, is a longtime Scott, joining the administration in 2011 during his first year in office as a spokeswoman. She earned $166,000 per year as chief of staff.

A release from Scott’s office said she was “pursuing other opportunities.” Scott called Zeckman “a trusted and loyal advisor,” adding, “She has been dedicated to implementing my agenda throughout my time as Governor and I know she will continue to do great things for our state.”

It is against the law for state workers to work for political campaigns, so the move is likely a prelude to her joining Scott’s Senate campaign.

Scott hasn’t made an official announcement, but speculation in Tallahassee political circles has swirled for years that he’d challenge Nelson, even before President Donald Trump publicly encouraged him to get in the race on multiple occasions.

Scott announced on his campaign Twitter feed Monday that he’s “preparing for a big announcement” on April 9th.

Replacing Zeckman will be Brad Piepenbrink, who most recently served as deputy chief of staff for Scott, overseeing environmental, health care and transportation policy.

Qualifying for the U.S. Senate race begins April 30 and ends May 4.

grohrer@ orlandosentinel.com or 850-222-5564