The GOP leadership in the state Senate is lining up behind state Rep. Ray Rodrigues, R-Estero, who is running for an open Senate seat in Southwest Florida.
Last week, Rodrigues launched a campaign for the seat currently held by term-limited state Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto, R-Ft. Myers, who is supporting his bid. State House Majority Leader Dane Eagle, R-Cape Coral, is also backing the new candidate.
Rodrigues continued to reel in the support of Senate leaders as Sen. Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, who is penciled in as the next Senate president, announced his support towards the end of last week. Senate Majority Leader Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, and Sen. Travis Hutson, R-St. Augustine, who are angling for the Senate presidency down the road, are also behind Rodrigues.
“Ray Rodrigues has been a champion for the people of Southwest Florida, fighting for school choice, protecting our Second Amendment rights and the rights of the unborn,” said Simpson. “I am proud to stand with Ray because I know he will stand up for hardworking families, veterans and our seniors.”
“Ray is a proven advocate for the issues that matter most to the people of Southwest Florida,” said Passidomo. “He has stood strong to protect our waterways, empower our students and strengthen our economy and I look forward to serving alongside him in the Florida Senate.”
“Ray has been on the forefront of groundbreaking healthcare and education advances in our state that will enrich the lives of Floridians for generations to come,” said Hutson. “He is a fierce advocate for Southwest Florida and I am proud to endorse his campaign for the state Senate.”
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.
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