State Rep. Ray Rodrigues, R-Estero, reeled in the support of the state Senate president as he tries to enter the upper chamber of the Florida Legislature.
Running for the seat currently held by term-limited state Sen. Lizbeth Benaquisto, R-Ft. Myers, Rodrigues announced that he had the support of state Sen. Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton.
“Ray Rodrigues is a proven warrior for the hardworking people of Southwest Florida and is going to be a tremendous asset to the next generation of leaders in the Florida Senate,” said Galvano on Tuesday. “Opportunities for students, conservation of our environment and gains in the economy are examples of Ray’s steadfast leadership and ability to get things done for the people of our great state.”
“While at the helm, President Galvano has fought for the shared conservative values of Southwest Florida and I couldn’t be more honored to have his support,” said Rodrigues. “I am traveling the District and talking with folks everyday to hear their concerns, share my record and earn their support.”
Rodrigues is getting strong support from Republicans in the Senate and in Southwest Florida as Benaquisto, state House Majority Leader Dane Eagle, R-Cape Coral, Sen. Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, who is penciled in as the next Senate president, Senate Majority Leader Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, and Sen. Travis Hutson, R-St. Augustine, who are angling for the Senate presidency down the road, state Sen. Ben Albritton, R-Bartow, state Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Naples, state Rep. Mike Grant, R-Port Charlotte, state Rep. Spencer Roach, R-North Ft. Myers, and state Rep. Bob Rommel, R-Naples, are all backing his campaign.
So far, Rodrigues is the only candidate running for the seat which represents parts of Lee County. The seat is generally considered safe for Republicans.
