Gov. Ron DeSantis and Attorney General Ashley Moody both endorsed Rep. Tom Leek’s Florida Senate campaign this week, as the term-limited representative looks to succeed Sen. Travis Hutson 

Gov. Ron DeSantis and Attorney General Ashley Moody both offered pledges of support to Rep. Tom Leek this week, formally endorsing his state Senate campaign.

Leek, who was first elected to serve House District 25 in 2016, and after redistricting re-elected in House District 28 in 2022, is seeking succed Sen. Travis Hutson in Senate District 7 as he faces term limitations.  The district is comprised of Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns, and parts of Volusia Counties.

Leek currently sits as Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee and has previously chaired the Public Ethics and Integrity Committee, the Pandemics and Public Emergencies Committee and the Redistricting Committee.

“I’m happy to endorse Tom Leek, a proven conservative, for the Florida Senate,” said DeSantis, whose endorsement was publicized by Leek’s campaign on Monday. “In the Florida House, he has fought alongside us on the countless initiatives that have made Florida the freest state in the union. I look forward to continuing to work with him as District 7’s next Senator.”

In issuing her endorsement on Tuesday, Moody lauded Leek’s pro-law enforcement legislative record.

“Tom Leek has been a principled leader and a true friend to law enforcement and first responders throughout his impactful service in Florida. I am proud to endorse his candidacy for the Florida Senate,” she said.

Leek has also received endorsements from U.S. Representatives Michael Waltz and Cory Mills, Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, all four sheriffs within SD 7, Senate President-designate Ben Albritton, and the Florida Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee, among others.

“To have the endorsement of Governor DeSantis in my campaign for the State Senate is truly an honor and is a great lift for our supporters as we qualify for the ballot next week. Thank you, Governor, for your conservative leadership, and I eagerly look forward to continuing our important work in the Florida Legislature,” said Leek, adding “thank you to Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody for this incredible endorsement of my candidacy for the Florida Senate, and for her steadfast leadership in making our state a stronger, safer Florida.”

Leek faces a lone primary challenger, Gerald James, according to the Florida Division of Elections.