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CBS NEWS
WEST PALM BEACH, Florida (CBS12) -- Rep. Allen West announced Tuesday that he will switch districts, abandoning the 22nd District for a newly created 18th District, where the tea party favorite has a better chance of re-election.
After redistricting by the GOP-dominated state Legislature, West's District 22 became more heavily tilted toward the Democratic Party.
District 18 includes St. Lucie, Martin and northeastern Palm Beach counties and is more conservative.
Former state legislator Adam Hasner will run in West's place in District 22. Hasner had planned to run for Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson's seat in a crowded GOP field.
Former West Palm Beach Mayor Lois Frankel and accountant Patrick Murphy are running for the Democratic Party nomination for the District 22 seat.
West had earlier pledged to stay in the 22nd District despite an uphill election battle.