Fresh off announcing his bid for Senate District 2, Republican Jay Trumbull added another endorsement on Wednesday, announcing that State Rep. Brad Drake was backing his campaign.
Drake, who represents House District 5, has served in multiple leadership roles since being elected to the Florida House. The Panhandle Republican most recently served as Chair of the Tourism, Infrastructure & Energy Subcommittee. Drake is term-limited after holding the seat since 2014.
“I’ve seen firsthand how Jay Trumbull has fought hard and delivered for the people of North Florida time and time again,” said Drake. “He’s the leader we need to continue to stand up for our conservative values. That’s why I’m proud to endorse his candidacy for the State Senate.”
Trumbull, who has served House District 6 since 2014, announced on Tuesday his campaign to succeed Sen. George Gainer in SD 2. Gainer was elected to SD 2 in 2016 but announced on Monday that he would not be seeking another term in office.
“I’m deeply honored to have Brad’s support, and I pledge to him my full commitment to the Northwest Florida constituents he has represented so well for over a decade,” Trumbull added. “We stand shoulder to shoulder in the Panhandle, defending our values and working to create economic opportunity for the people here now and for the many future generations who will call this home.”
Drake’s seal of approval is just the latest political player to back Trumbull’s fresh campaign. Since announcing his bid for SD 2, the Panama City Republican has been endorsed by a host of GOP leaders, including Governor Ron DeSantis, Senate President Wilton Simpson, House Speaker Chris Sprowls, Senator Kathleen Passidomo, and Senator Ben Albritton.
“Jay Trumbull has been a strong ally for my agenda in the Legislature and a great champion for the people of NW Florida,” DeSantis said on Twitter. Sen. Gainer leaves big shoes to fill, but I believe Jay will be a great Senator and I am happy to support him for Senate District 2.”
The only other candidate to qualify for SD 2 is Democrat Carolynn Zonia.
SD 2 is a reliably red district that encompasses Bay, Holmes, Jackson, Walton, and Washington counties, as well as part of Okaloosa County.