State Rep. Ana Maria Rodriguez, R-Doral, continues to get the support of top Republicans in Tallahassee as she looks to move to the state Senate.
Rodriguez has had a big week on the endorsement front. On Monday, term limited Sen. Antire Flores, R-Miami, announced that she wanted Rodriguez to replace her in the Senate representing all of Monroe County and parts of Miami Dade. South Florida Republican Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez endorsed Rodriguez on Tuesday.
On Wednesday, Rodriguez kept the momentum going as Sen. Wilton Simpson, R-Spring Hill, who is scheduled to be the next Senate president after the 2020 elections, backed Rodriguez.
“The people of South Florida deserve a champion in Tallahassee who will stand up for them and isnt afraid to take on the issues that matter most,” said Simpson. “Ana Maria is a fierce advocate for her community and would make a tremendous impact for them in the Florida Senate.”
Rodriguez also got the backing of state Senate Majority Leader Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, and state Sen. Travis Hutson, R-Palm Coast, who both have their eyes on the Senate presidency down the road.
“Ana Maria is a force not just for the people she serves, but for all Floridians,” said Passidomo. “She understands that protecting Florida’s water is crucial to our state’s continued economic success and superior quality of life.”
“I am proud to support Ana Marie because she is a proven, common-sense conservative who isn’t afraid to take on the tough issues,” said Hutson. “She’s worked to improve education for our students and fought for policies to strengthen our economy.”
“I am overwhelmed by the level of support we are seeing here in South Florida and across the state,” said Rodriguez. “The values we share – lower taxes, world-class education opportunities and preserving our natural resources for generations to come – are resonating with hardworking families throughout South Florida, and I am eager to continue this conversation in the weeks and months ahead.”
Earlier in the week, Simpson, Passidomo and Hutson all threw their support behind former state Rep. Jim Boyd who is running to replace term limited state Senate President Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton.
First elected to the Florida House last year, Rodriguez also served on the Doral City Council. She does not have an open shot at the Republican nomination as educator, songwriter and community activist Angie Chirino is also running in the primary. Pinecrest Vice Mayor Anna Hotchkammer is running for the Democratic nomination.
Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.
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