A group of more than 25 local elected officials from Pinellas County announced their endorsement of Byron Donalds for Florida Governor on May 19. The officials cited his conservative leadership, commitment to economic opportunity, and record of supporting Florida families as reasons for their support.
The coalition includes mayors, county commissioners, constitutional officers, city council members, school board leaders, and municipal officials from communities throughout Pinellas County. Their endorsements are seen as an indication of growing momentum for Donalds’ campaign in the region.
Adam Ross, Pinellas County Tax Collector, said: “Byron Donalds is the conservative leader I trust to keep Florida strong, and he is a proven fighter. Byron will keep Florida free, protect our pocketbooks, and deliver for Pinellas County and all of Florida. He is engaging with voters, and his popularity is based on the vision he has been sharing while traveling around the state. I know Byron will be a great leader for the next chapter of our state and I am proud to endorse him to be our next Governor.”
County Commissioner Brian Scott also offered his support: “As a Pinellas County Commissioner, I am proud to offer my full support and endorsement of Byron Donalds for Governor of the State of Florida. Throughout his career in public service, Byron Donalds has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to fiscal responsibility, economic opportunity, and accountable government. He understands that strong communities are built on safe neighborhoods, a thriving local economy, and leadership that listens to the people it serves.”
The list of endorsing officials includes Chris Arbutine (Mayor of Belleair Bluffs), Bruce Bartlett (State Attorney), Woody Brown (Mayor of Largo), Ken Burke (Pinellas County Clerk), Richard Cariello (Redington Beach City Commissioner), Ryan Cotton (Clearwater City Council Seat 2), Mike DiBrizzi (Largo City Commission Seat 3), John Doctor (Mayor of Treasure Island), Dave Eggers (Pinellas County Commissioner District 4), Katie Gannon (Mayor of Oldsmar), Donna Holck (Largo City Commission Seat 5), Curtis Holmes (Largo City Commission Seat 2), Todd Jennings (Belleair City Commissioner), Chris Latvala (Pinellas County Commissioner District 5), John Lauser (Largo City Commissioner Seat 4) Michael Mannino (Clearwater City Councilman Seat 3) Stephanie Meyer(Pinellas School Board District6) Sara Mollo(Public Defender) Vince Nowicki(Pinellas At-Large District3) Kathleen Peters(Pinellas District6) Bruce Rector(Mayor Clearwater) Adam Ross(Tax Collector) Chris Scherer(At-Large1) Brian Scott(At-Large2) Al Shields(Seminole Councilor) Scott Tate(Mayor St Pete Beach ) Mike Twitty(Property Appraiser ) Tammy Vasquez(Treasure Island Vice Mayor ) Leslie Waters(Mayor Seminole).
These endorsements come amid recent polling showing Donalds with a lead against Democratic candidates in general election matchups.
