The political arm of Americans for Prosperity released its latest wave of Florida Legislature endorsements on Monday, stamping its seal of approval on five Republican lawmakers running for office in 2022.
Americans for Prosperity Action Florida (AFP Action FL) announced that it is backing five more candidates in its second round of endorsements. The two House candidates and three Senate candidates to earn AFP Action’s support include Representatives Tom Leek (HD 28) and David Smith (HD 38), as well as Senators Blaise Ingoglia (SD 11), Nick DiCeglie (SD 18), and Bryan Avila (SD 39).
The conservative advocacy group added that the candidates earned the endorsements because they supported “policies that limit the government’s ability to erect roadblocks to opportunity and success across Florida.”
“Florida is a growing and vibrant state. We need lawmakers in Tallahassee who will support policies that break down government-imposed barriers that limit the ability of individuals and businesses to grow and prosper and create a strong economy where every Floridian benefits,” said AFP Action Senior Advisor Skylar Zander. “These candidates will help create an opportunity climate that will continue to make Florida a destination for freedom-loving people.”
In a press release, AFP’s political committee praised each GOP official, individually highlighting their work during their time in the legislature. Many were spotlighted for pushing pro-AFP policies — like eliminating regulations and driving down health care costs — including the House Speaker pro tempore, who helped champion such issues.
“Rep. Bryan Avila is a champion of health care and fiscally responsible spending policies,” AFP-FL touted. “He supports legislation to expand personal health care options, such as eliminating certificate of need requirements that limit access and choice and drive-up costs, and the expansion of telehealth and scope of practice for physician assistants.
The new round of endorsements comes on the heels of AFP-FL backing 12 Republican incumbents following the 2022 Legislative Session. The eight House candidates and four Senate candidates to earn AFP Action’s endorsement included Representatives Paul Renner (HD-19), Stan McClain (HD-27), Mike Giallombardo (HD-79), Bob Rommel (HD-81), Lauren Melo (HD-82), Tom Fabricio (HD-110), Alex Rizzo (HD-112), Juan Fernandez-Barquin (HD-118), and Senators Keith Perry (SD-09), Debbie Mayfield (SD-19), Ray Rodrigues (SD-33), and Ana Maria Rodriguez (SD-40).
Additionally, AFP-FL has placed its support behind three Congressional Republicans, including U.S. Representatives Kat Cammack (FL-03), Scott Franklin (FL-15), and Maria Elvira Salazar (FL-27).
The group also backed Governor Ron DeSantis‘s re-election campaign in May.