The Florida Chamber continued to roll out endorsements ahead of the 2020 general election, choosing to back six Senate incumbents running for reelection this November.

The bipartisan list of endorsements from the business advocacy group includes Senators Doug Broxson, Travis Hutson, Randolph Bracy, Debbie Mayfield, Joe Gruters, and Gayle Harrell in their respective campaigns for the Florida Senate.

“The Florida Chamber has a long-standing reputation of endorsing incumbent candidates who continue to drive sound policy for Florida business that makes Florida more competitive,” said Mark Wilson, President and CEO, Florida Chamber of
Commerce. “In difficult times, we are reminded of the importance of having Senators that will make Florida’s future a priority, focusing on job creation and further economic opportunity for everyone. We trust these Senators to continue doing just that.”

Today’s endorsements are based, in large part, on Senator’s grades earned on The Florida Chamber of Commerce’s Legislative Report Card.

The latest Florida Chamber statewide poll of likely Florida voters shows that 71 percent support COVID-19 liability protections for businesses that are working hard to protect the health and safety of employees and customers, and they believe the Florida Legislature should pass legislation to provide these safe harbors for job creators.

“These Senators have a proven track record of leadership necessary to continuously advance commonsense, pro-business efforts,” added Nick Catroppo, Vice President of Political Operations, Florida Chamber of Commerce. “Their tireless and steadfast commitment to free enterprise principles make us proud to endorse their reelection campaigns.”

Below is the list of the six candidates, along with accompanying statements.

District 1: Sen. Doug Broxson (R)
“I am honored to receive the endorsement of the leaders of the business community at the Florida Chamber of Commerce. They have been trusted and unrelenting partners of mine as we have worked together to create the competitive business climate necessary for job growth and economic opportunity across our state.”

District 7: Sen. Travis Hutson (R)
“It’s an honor to be endorsed by The Florida Chamber. Working with the Chamber we are able to create economic opportunities for Florida businesses to thrive. By limiting government overreach and focusing fiscal responsibility, Florida continues to be a destination for businesses. I look forward to working with the Chamber as we seek business-friendly solutions to rebuild our economy in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic.”

District 11: Sen. Randolph Bracy (D)
“Florida’s has the 17th largest economy in the world, which is linked to the Florida Chamber’s role in job creation, business development, and attraction of new industries. I look forward to working with the Chamber to build back our economy from the pandemic. Thank you for your endorsement.”

District 17: Sen. Debbie Mayfield (R)
“Small business is the cornerstone of our economy and the engine that powers job creation in Florida. I’m proud to partner with The Florida Chamber of Commerce to promote good public policy that reduces regulations, keeps taxes low and ends frivolous lawsuits so businesses in Florida can thrive and people can get back to work.”

District 23: Sen. Joe Gruters (R)
“Now more than ever we need to help our small businesses rebound and recover from the pandemic. I am honored to be endorsed by an organization that shares similar values as we work to reignite Florida’s economy and create good-paying jobs for Floridians across the Sunshine State.” 

District 25: Sen. Gayle Harrell (R)
“Standing side by side with the Florida business community to help businesses of all sizes recover from the economic ravages of the pandemic is more important now, than ever. I thank the Florida Chamber for their endorsement and representing the business community to making sure we keep Florida’s economy open and safely get people back to work.”