As the primary election approaches, candidates are striving to capture the voters’ attention, and a big part of that is promoting endorsements they’ve won. Here’s a look at some of this election season’s endorsements so far. This list is not comprehensive but is based rather on the name recognition of some of those who have publicly lent their support to various candidates.
State Representative — District 18
On her website, Kim Kendall lists 115 endorsements from a broad range of backgrounds. Arguably, the top name here is longtime St. Johns County Tax Collector Dennis Hollingsworth. Kendall has also won endorsements from Bill Dudley, former chair of the Veterans Council of St. Johns County; former Florida House Speaker John Thrasher; Flagler College Professor Emeritus Bill Abare; Dennis Baxley, president pro tem of the Florida Senate; and two members of the St. Johns County Airport Authority, Dennis Clarke and Reba Ludlow.
Her opponent, Nick Primrose, has won the endorsements of incumbent Rep. Cyndi Stevenson, Congressman Michael Waltz, U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, Florida CFO Jimmy Petronis, U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack, the Florida Police Benevolent Association and JAXBIZ.
State Senator — District 7
Tom Leek has garnered endorsements from a veritable Who’s Who of elected officials recognizable to District 7 voters. These include: Gov. Ron DeSantis, state Rep. Cyndi Stevenson, state Sen. Travis Hutson, Florida House Speaker Paul Renner, U.S. Rep. Michael Waltz, Florida CFO Jimmy Petronis, St. Johns County Sheriff Robert Hardwick, Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly, Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood, Putnam County Sheriff H.D. “Gator” DeLoach, State Attorney of the Seventh Judicial Circuit R.J. Larizza, Public Defender of the Seventh Judicial Circuit Matthew Metz and Attorney General Ashley Moody.
Opponent Gerry James has won several endorsements, perhaps the highest profile supporters include former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin and Mike Lindell, CEO of My Pillow.
St. Johns County Sheriff
Incumbent Rob Hardwick has been endorsed by the Northeast Florida Builders Association.
St. Johns County Tax Collector
Jennifer Pomar Ravan has received the endorsement of current St. Johns County Tax Collector Dennis Hollingsworth, who has decided not to run for re-election, having served the county since 1978.
U.S. Senator
Rick Scott has been endorsed by former U.S. President Donald Trump and former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
