St. Johns County School Board Chairwoman Bev Slough jumped into the Republican primary for the 6th Congressional District on Wednesday,

"Congress is in desperate need of true conservatives and common-sense leadership," Slough said.

"Over the past decade, as a school board member, I’ve helped balance a nearly half-billion-dollar budget, manage 3,600 employees and reduce spending, all while maintaining Florida’s top-rated school district."

In a statement, the 33-year resident of the district said, "The citizens of St. Johns, Flagler, Putnam and Volusia counties deserve a representative who understands their unique needs."

Slough, whose husband, Wes, is pastor of Switzerland Community Church, is also president of the First Coast United Way and past president of the Florida School Boards Association.

Other Republicans vying for the open seat in the heavily GOP district are Craig Miller, Ron DeSantis, Richard Clark and Fred Costello.