• Ryan Chamberlin’s campaign announced that former Marion County Commissioner Parnell Townley is backing his bid for HD 24.
• The Ocala businessman and a past candidate for Congress launched his campaign for HD 24 in December.
• Five Republicans are campaigning for the seat, along with write-in candidate Robert Fox.

Republican Ryan Chamberlin added another name to his endorsement list today, picking up the support of former Marion County Commissioner Parnell Townley in his bid for House District 24.

Townley, a longtime Floridian, is the former vice president of Townley Engineering & Manufacturing Co. and served as a Marion County Commissioner for 12 years, holding the position of chairman for a stint.

“Ryan will be a great ally to conservatives and Governor Ron DeSantis in the Florida House,” said Townley. “Now more than ever, we need committed, strong conservatives like him who will fight the establishment and protect our community and Florida from the destructive, woke policies of Joe Biden.”

Chamberlin, a consultant, writer, and public speaker, announced the endorsement in a news release on Monday, thanking Townley for his seal of approval while touting his service to Marion County.

“It is an honor to have Parnell Townley’s endorsement,” said Chamberlin. “He served Marion County faithfully for many years and knows what it means to be a true public servant and fiscal conservative.”

Chamberlin, a former Republican congressional candidate, officially announced his candidacy in December to replace former Rep. Joe Harding. Harding resigned from the Florida Legislature last month, 24 hours after he appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to a six-count indictment against him. He captured media attention earlier this year after he sponsored the controversial Parental Rights in Education legislation that limits education curriculum and dialogue.

Chamberlin is one of five Republicans running for HD 24. Others vying for the open seat include Justin Albright, Jose Juarez, Stephen Pyles and Charlie Stone.

Last week, Chamberlin called on his opponents in the upcoming special election to sign a “clean campaign pledge.”

The primary special election will take place on March 7, with the General Election scheduled for May 16.

Whoever wins the five-way Primary will face off against write-in candidate Robert “Foxy” Fox in May.