Florida House Speaker Paul Renner has endorsed State Rep. Tom Leek for Senate District 7, praising his fiscal responsibility and conservative leadership.
Florida House Speaker Paul Renner has endorsed State Rep. Tom Leek for the state’s Senate District 7 seat, currently held by the term-limited Sen. Travis Hutson, Leek’s campaign announced Thursday.
Leek, a Republican from Ormond Beach, is aiming to succeed Hutson in a district that spans Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns, and parts of Volusia counties. Renner, also a Republican and representing Palm Coast, cited Leek’s fiscal stewardship and conservative principles as key reasons for his endorsement.
“I am proud to endorse my friend Tom Leek in his bid for Senate District 7,” Renner said in a prepared statement. “Tom has been a trusted confidant and leader, which is why I appointed him as Chair of the House Appropriations Committee. In that role he balanced the budget, paid off debt early and set aside record reserves, all while addressing the needs of our state. His proven conservative principles are evident in everything he’s accomplished. When elected, he will continue his stellar public service as an influential member of the Florida Senate where he will advocate for our values.”
First elected to the Florida House in 2016, Leek has focused on legislation pertaining to law enforcement issues, emergency management, and his opposition to vaccine passports. His campaign noted that he has secured additional endorsements from U.S. Representatives Michael Waltz and Cory Mills, several local sheriffs, and other state officials.
“Thank you to Speaker Paul Renner for his endorsement of my campaign for the Florida Senate,” said Leek. “Speaker Renner has led with a servant’s heart and his vision, The Florida Way, is one that has guided our state to historic initiatives in protecting and educating our children, preserving our environment, and supporting our law enforcement. I am truly honored to receive his support.”
Leek is currently the Chief Legal Officer and Executive Vice President of Foundation Risk Partners, Corp. Before joining the firm in 2018, he spent 21 years at the Daytona Beach law firm of Cobb Cole, where he served as managing partner.