After examination of its academics and research, the Florida Board of Governors has declared Florida International University (FIU) a Preeminent State Research University.

Since 2013, the Florida Preeminence program rewards the state’s highest-performing public research universities based on student success and research performance metrics such as graduation rates, national rankings, faculty memberships in National Academies, research expenditures and patents awarded. As a preeminent university, FIU is eligible to receive additional dedicated funding.

FIU is a newer university compared to Florida's flagship schools like University of Florida and Florida State University.  Despite this, FIU has made an impact on the world by becoming a leading patent leader and leading research in the natural sciences and political science.

The school is now being recognized for their hard work with $25 million in preeminent funding that will be invested into the betterment of the university.

FIU President Kenneth A. Jessell stated, "The FIU community is thrilled to be recognized for its relentless focus on academics and research excellence.  This designation caps a spectacular year of success for FIU and marks a new era for this young institution as one of the 21st century’s top research universities."

The club of preeminent universities is currently enjoyed by University of Florida, Florida State University and University of South Florida.  FIU has actually earned the highest score in the State University System with 96 points this year and has enjoyed the number one spot three out of four years.

The news is huge for FIU after the school placed second in the United States and thirteenth in the world for impact in the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.

The post FIU Declared 'Preeminent University' Joins Elite Schools appeared first on The Floridian.

Although former President Donald Trump (R) was found guilty in his New York criminal trial, his pending case in Florida is falling apart as the process slows down and controversy continues to build.

In Florida, President Trump is being prosecuted for allegedly having illegal possession of classified documents in his private residence.  The documents are claimed to pertain to international affairs and he retained them from his time in office.

The case however seems to be going nowhere fast.  Judge Aileen Cannon has put so many delays on the case that it is unlikely a verdict would be reached by Election Day.  Cannon is from a family of immigrants and was appointed to her seat by Donald Trump in 2020.

Now the case will have a hearing, but not against Trump.  The Trump camp has argued that special counsel Jack Smith was unlawfully appointed to his position, and therefore cannot prosecute the case.  The move is most likely another attempt to stifle Trump's opposition.

The hearings will persist throughout this weekend.  If Smith is removed from the case, which looks very possible, it could trash all of the charges brought against Trump in Florida.

The trial did formerly have a May start date but has once again been postponed to an unknown time.  Even if the case is not thrown out, the state is a long way away from beating Donald Trump in the Florida courts.

The post Trump Classified Documents Case Falling Apart at the Seams appeared first on The Floridian.

Tourism and culture has been a huge cash grab for the state of Florida.  Now some worry that this might take a big hit after Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) vetoed additional funding for the arts.

The denied funding would have given $100 million towards arts and cultural programs.  Arts Garage, a non-profit group, is claiming that they have been hit by the budget cut in a severe way, missing out on a possible $100 million.

Arts Garage president Marjorie Waldo stated, "This is a significant number, this is not something we anticipated.  The research is clear. Art is not just about entertainment. We create jobs for artists, curators and musicians. We employ marketers, accountants, lighting and sound technical engineers and professionals that span multiple industries. And we support other local businesses through our purchase of goods and services."

Arts Garage is not just some fringe cultural group either.  Accord to the AEP6’s Economic Impact Calculator, Arts Garage impacted their local economy of West Palm Beach in a massive way, generating over $2 million.

Waldo added, "If you're hindering some of the programming in your communities that feeds the tourism tax base, then I'm not sure that you've cut the right place, that you've cut the right line item."

DeSantis defended his move after vetoing the item claiming he wants the state to have a reasonable budget.  "Historic support for education, historic support for conservation and environment and protecting natural resources," stated Governor DeSantis.

DeSantis' team further stated in response to the pressure from Floridians like Waldo, "The governor views every bill and appropriation that comes across his desk and uses his authority under Florida Constitution to make veto decisions that are in the best interest of the state of Florida."

The post DeSantis Cuts $100 Million in Funding for the Arts appeared first on The Floridian.

Florida International University has become a leading patent producer after faculty inventors have been recognized for receiving over 80 patents this past year.

According to the National Academy of Inventors and Intellectual Property Owners Association, FIU has now entered the top 25 U.S. utility patents granted among U.S. public universities.

Within this past year, FIU researchers received a grand total of 82 patents including, but not limited to: a treatment for prostate cancer, dual band antenna systems, vaccines against malaria transmission and intelligent automated footwear.

President Kenneth A. Jessell honored the researchers in public statement, "Since the beginning of time, society has relied on the curiosity and ingenuity of inventors like you to solve problems and keep communities moving forward."  Jessell added, "Your patents are making an impact on the global economy and inspiring new innovations among both your peers and our students. We honor you for creating real change with your patents, and we thank you for inspiring a new generation of inventors."

Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Elizabeth M. Béjar said to the inventors, "Because you chose to pursue your work here at FIU, our students get to learn from experts who are making intellectual advances on some of the most pressing issues facing our world today. When our students leave FIU, they can confidently say that they worked alongside the best in their chosen fields, and that they had the chance to be part of research and discovery that is making a difference in the world."

Further information on FIU's recent patents can be found here.

The post FIU Becomes Leading Patent Producer appeared first on The Floridian.

Senate candidate Tom Leek (R-FL) has added yet another big endorsement to his state senate campaign  with the support of Attorney General Ashley Moody (R-FL).

Moody has been a pivotal force in turning Florida red over the past several years.  The attorney general has prosecuted cases of mass fraud in the state of Florida, as well as looking into corporations that may violate Governor Ron DeSantis' (R-FL) policies.

"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," stated Moody.

"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," said Rep Leek in response to Moody.

Leek has also been endorsed by multiple Florida sheriffs and House Speaker Paul Renner (R), and Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The post Ashley Moody Endorses Tom Leek for Senate appeared first on The Floridian.

Americans for Prosperity Action Florida (AFP Action FL) has announced another set of endorsements for candidates around Florida.  The group has now endorsed 29 candidates for the 2024 election cycle.

The group, AFP Action FL, claims their goal is to elect leaders who will encourage policy change and facilitate coalitions that will eliminate barriers that make people's lives more difficult.

AFP Action FL hopes to utilize local backings of grassroots candidates to educate and mobilize voters in support of these principled leaders through digital and mail campaigns.

Skylar Zander, the AFP Action FL Senior Advisor, stated, "Allowing Florida businesses, students, and families to thrive is possible through principled policy work in our legislature – that's why we need these leaders in office. AFP Action FL will work with our grassroots activists to educate voters leading up to the election on how their voices will be represented through these candidates."

Some candidates include recognizable incumbents like Sen. Debbie Mayfield (R-FL) and newcomers like Vanessa Oliver who has previous work experience in the healthcare field.  She is also adamant about lowering the cost of insurance rates and protecting free speech, two issues which will certainly come up in the Florida House.

Am in-depth list of AFP Action FL's endorsements can be found here with more information.  An updated list can also be found here for AFP Action FL's most recent list of endorsements for the 2024 election.

The post AFP Action FL Releases Endorsements for 2024 Election appeared first on The Floridian.

Thanks to a new law passed by the Republican-led Florida legislature, Florida has become the first state in the country to allow c-section operations to be done outside of hospitals.

The bill passed by the Florida House and Senate this year would allow c-sections to be done in facilities called "advanced birth centers."  Although lawmakers did this to ease the options for expecting mothers, doctors are against the policy.

Legislation for these advanced birth centers has been tabled before and has been attempted in the Florida legislature since 2018.  Lawmakers are hoping these facilities allow rural moms to have access to c-sections.

Dr. Judette Louis, department chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of South Florida stated, "We worry about harm to patients.  In the scenario where you have an unexpected hemorrhage, will you have the right resources on hand?  So, many of us have had instances where we've had to call in surgeons from other parts of the hospital to help us with an unexpected hemorrhage. What will happen in a freestanding birth center when that happens? Will they have the resources around them to save that patient? We worry that they may not."

Senator Gayle Harrell (R-FL) was the sponsor of the bill and stated, "Free-market principles show us the private sector can innovate in ways government could never imagine.  What government can do is facilitate the exploration and implementation of innovative technologies and delivery models that increase efficiency, reduce strain on the health care workforce, improve patient outcomes, expand public access to care, and reduce costs for patients and taxpayers without impacting the quality of patient care."

The post Florida Now First State to Allow C-sections Outside Hospitals appeared first on The Floridian.

With endorsements coming in for the election ahead, critical moves are being made in Florida.  State Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL) has endorsed Bryan Leib's run for Congress.

Bryan Leib (R-FL) is currently a candidate in Florida's 25th Congressional District.  The Congressional hopeful is hoping to win the South Florida district and may have solidified his chances with an endorsement from Randy Fine.

Fine is the only Jewish Republican serving in Florida's Legislature, which has propelled him to new heights of notoriety within the Republican Party. Fine made headlines in recent years for his commentary on the Israeli-Hamas conflict which was more than colorful.

The outspoken representative has even caught the attention of former President Donald Trump (R) who endorsed Fine for his bid for the Florida Senate.

Seeing the President of the United States involved in a state-level election is a huge deal, and now Fine is returning the favor with his endorsement of Leib.  Fine's endorsement also made mention of the impending issues in the Middle East, and took shots at opponents across the aisle on the issue:

"I am proud to endorse Bryan Leib for Congress.  There are only two Republican Jews serving in Congress and we need to make it three because we need voices that are going to stand up to the woke left, Rashida Tlaib, AOC and the Antisemitism in Congress.  I know he will do that, so I am proud to support him."

Leib was certainly flattered by the endorsement, giving an even longer response.  The Congressional hopeful then reaffirmed Fine's hopes for what Leib's Congressional tenure would look like, "I am proud to have the support of one of the most well-respected and influential Jews in Florida politics, Randy Fine. I am ready to fight like Hell against Rashida Tlaib, Ilhan Omar, AOC, and the rest of the radicals in Congress next year because there is no place for Antisemitism and Antizionism in the halls of Congress. Not only will I fight back against the Hamas Caucus at every turn, but I will also advocate for a return to the strong Judeo-Christian values upon which our nation was founded.  The time is now to fight like Hell for the future of our nation.  I am ready, willing, and able to fight - it's time for change in Washington D.C."

While Trump and Biden have dominated headlines regarding the 2024 election, the Israeli-Hamas conflict will certainly serve as an important backdrop to the Congressional elections.  Leib's candidacy may serve as a litmus test to see where the country stands on Antisemitism.

The post Bryan Leib Endorsed by Randy Fine appeared first on The Floridian.

President Donald Trump (R) has endorsed US Rep. Brian Mast (R).

Congressman Mast has been a strong supporter of Donald Trump for years, often agreeing on foreign policy and illegal immigration,  two issues that are major points of concern in the 2024 election cycle.

Economics has also become a cornerstone of Trump's campaign, which Rep. Mast has recently been verbose about regarding "Bidenomics.," calling out President Biden (D) for his economic failures.

However, Mast's military service and his pro-military legislation have helped him win the favor of the former president.  Trump officially endorsed Mast in a Truth Social post that reads:

"Congressman Brian Mast is a tireless advocate for Florida's 21st Congressional District.

The Chair of my campaign's Veterans for Trump Coalition, Brian is a true American Hero and Patriot.  Brian works hard to stop the endless wars pushed by some in Washington and is making sure that we take care of Americans First.  Brian has never been afraid to put himself in the line of fire.

Brian Mast has my Complete and Total Endorsement."

Mast responded to Trump's endorsement of him with the same energy returned to the former president, "There has never been a tougher, more resolute President for those in service today and those that served in the past.  Thank you, President Trump!"

If Trump wins this presidential election, Mast could be a person of interest to keep an eyes on.  Mast has worked closely with the Trump campaign and has unique insights into foreign policy that other Congressional members simply do not have, and is considered to be on of Trump's top choices to head up the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The post President Donald Trump Endorses Rep. Brian Mast appeared first on The Floridian.

Pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses have only increased as war is rages on between Israel and Hamas.  Now State Senator Rene Garcia (R-13) is claiming the pro-Hamas protests have transgressed the Freedom of Speech.

Almost every politician at this point has offered their two cents on the issue, but Senator Garcia has possibly used the most colorful language of them all.  In a statement this week Garcia said regarding the pro-Hamas protests, "As a staunch advocate of fundamental rights of the First Amendment, I am deeply troubled by recent events unfolding on college campuses across our great nation.  While the right to freedom of speech lies at the core of our democracy, it is imperative that we distinguish between the exercise of this very liberty and actions that undermine it."

Garcia called the protests "misguided," and "adversative to the spirit of the First Amendment."  Garcia argued that this is evidenced by the masks these protestors typically wear are to "seek anonymity to safeguard against potential repercussions."

The letter also accuses protestors of simply using a support for Palestine as a thinly veiled mask to advance anti-semitism.  To Garcia, cultivating fear among Jewish people and students "is precisely the climate that these Hamas supporting protests have created."

The state senator's letter ended with a call to action for his colleagues and other public officials. "It is incumbent upon us, as leaders and members of the community, to unequivocally condemn these actions and demand an end to this troubling trend."

The post Sen. Rene Garcia Calls for Action Against Pro-Hamas Protests appeared first on The Floridian.

US Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) has long prioritized supporting veterans in his time in Congress.  Now the Congressman is trying to extend veteran pensions to those who could not serve longer due to injury, as baked in, or long-standing veteran benefits formula is preventing injured veterans from receiving the full benefits they deserve  Rep. Bilirakis called the current system for these veterans "bullshit."

The Major Richard Star Act (H.R. 1282) fights for disabled military retirees with fewer than 20 years of service.  Rep. Bilirakis' bill would make it so these veterans may concurrently receive, without reduction, veterans' disability compensation and retired pay or combat-related special compensation.

In an interview with The Floridian, Bilirakis explained how he feels about the treatment of these combat veterans.

"They're losing a portion of their pension, either a portion of their pension, they don't get the full 100% or a portion of their VA disability.  They have to choose one or the other, whichever one they take and that's bullshit," said Bilirakis. These people sacrificed so much, we're giving all this money to illegal aliens and our veterans are being cheated out of that."

The rules set up by this standard leaves an estimated 50,000 retirees ineligible for concurrent benefits. The average offset was about $1,900 per month in 2022, according to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO).

The Major Richard Star Act would remove those restrictions so that all retirees with combat-related disabilities can collect their full retirement and disability benefits.

While the bill has bipartisan support, the legislation has struggled to make it out of the House of Representatives due to its overall cost.  Bilirakis however, is committed to the bill, stating, "We're not going to rest until we pass the Richard Star Act."

According to Bilirakis, Speaker Mike Johnson may see to it that the bill gets pushed along, quite possibly being folded into the upcoming National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)

Bilirakis also accused House Democrats of trying to role back the existing "Community Care"  or "private care" program that allows veterans to seek care outside of the VA healthcare system.

The post Gus Bilirakis Says 'Bullsh*t' VA System Not Paying Veteran Disability Benefits appeared first on The Floridian.

Florida has a deep history of attracting tourism from around the United States.  Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) this week announced record breaking tourism numbers for the state of Florida.

The data pertaining to visitors in 2023 shows that Florida saw a whopping 140.6 million visitors, an all time record.  So far in 2024, Florida saw 40.6 million visitors in the first quarter of the financial year.

The 2023 figure is an increase of 2.3% from 2022’s record-breaking year and makes a new benchmark for visitation to the state.  Domestic visitation (within the United States) reached an all-time high, with 129.1 million domestic visitors choosing to come to Florida in 2023, along with 8.3 million overseas visitors and 3.2 million Canadian visitors.

2024 domestic visitation in first financial quarter of the year saw 37.2 million visitors, the highest number ever for a single financial quarter.

“Florida continues to welcome visitors with open arms,” said Dana Young, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA.“The record-breaking visitation seen in 2023 and continued through the first quarter of 2024 reaffirms Florida’s status as a must-visit destination for travelers worldwide.”

VISIT FLORIDA conducts regular revisions to visitor estimates, ensuring data is accurate as new information is collected and resources are identified.

As tourism to Florida continues to soar to new heights, the numbers reflect the state’s wide appeal abroad and at home.

The post Florida Sees Record Breaking Tourism Year appeared first on The Floridian.

Although Miami-Dade County is still a fairly liberal area compared to the rest of Florida, Republicans are making a run at the area with multiple political events happening there this weekend.

Miami Young Republicans are hosting an event in Doral, Florida to promote former President Trump (R) and Trump-friendly Republican candidates in other races.

Trump lost Miami-Dade County in both 2016 and 2020, and Democrats still hold a majority over Republicans in the region.  However, Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) managed to win the county in his 2022 re-election bid, showing promise for Florida Republicans.

The Miami Young Republicans had a General Election Kickoff,  hosting several prominent figures: former UFC champ Colby Covington, Rep. Carlos Giménez, state Rep. Juan Carlos Porras, state Rep. David Borrero , and state Sen. Ileana Garcia.

Brian Hughes, a senior advisor on the Trump campaign is predicting a win for the former president in Miami-Dade county in 2024.

"Even with independents and Democrats, especially Hispanic voters, our campaign is seeing additions to the already strong Trump base here in the Sunshine State,” said Hughes.

Democrats are running an event in Miami as well called "Ruth's List," to remind voters of the abortion issue.  Democrats will predictably be running on abortion, and although Trump is seen as more moderate on the topic, Florida Democrats are mobilizing to remind voters who nominated three the three justices that helped overturn Roe v. Wade.

The event will welcome prominent Democrats like Party Chair Nikki Fried (D-FL) and Senate candidate Debbie Mucarsel-Powell.  These women have been big proponents of the pro-choice movement and believe it is one of the most preeminent issues to Florida voters.

As per usual, Florida will be an interesting state to watch in 2024.  However, political commentators still question how effective the Democrat playbook will be on running with abortion until Election Day.

The post Miami-Dade Heating up Early for 2024 Election Cycle appeared first on The Floridian.

In a critical move to bolster her re-election efforts, US Rep. Laurel Lee (R-FL) has scored the endorsements of US Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) and US Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL).

Senators Scott and Rubio have been staples of Florida conservatism for years, with Scott being governor for two terms before his time in the United States Senate, and Sen. Rubio serving Florida  House of Representatives for over eight years.

This year, Lee managed to get several pieces of bipartisan legislation done.  Lee's bill: The Revising Existing Procedures On Reporting via Technology (REPORT) Act, has been signed into law by President Joe Biden (D). The bill looks to change requirements regarding how electronic service providers submit reports to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) when they are alerted of violations involving the sexual exploitation of children online.

Lee has also worked with Democrats on cracking down on domestic violence with the Supporting the Abused by Learning Options to Navigate Survivor (SALONS) Stories Act.

“Laurel Lee has been a great conservative partner in Washington as we fight to hold Congressional Democrats and the Biden administration accountable for their disastrous policies that continue to fail Florida families, whether it be their tax-and-spend agenda that has caused skyrocketing inflation or dangerously allowing open borders,” said Scott. “She has proven to be a strong and principled leader, and I’ve seen firsthand how hard she is working to make a difference in the direction our country is headed. Laurel has more than earned my continued support as she runs for re-election this year, and I’m proud to have endorsed her campaign.”

“Since being elected to Congress, Laurel Lee has shown that she is a powerful conservative voice and an effective advocate for families and the people of Florida,” said Rubio. “Day in and day out in Washington, she’s working to hold those who have failed Floridians accountable and pushing for Republican policies to ensure the safety of our country. I’m proud to call her a partner in Congress and endorse her re-election campaign.”

These endorsements are crucial for Lee as 2024 looks to be a high stakes election.  With a busy first term, Lee has managed to get the two most important endorsements for a Florida Republican.

The post Laurel Lee Scores Rick Scott and Marco Rubio Endorsements appeared first on The Floridian.

Florida has now been ranked first in the United States in education by US News & World Report.

Florida has traditionally caught heat for underpaying teachers and neglecting educational outcomes.  A study conducted on the 2021-22 school year found that Florida pays the lowest average teacher salary when adjusted for cost of living for a K-12 teacher.

Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) has also waged a culture war at a national level, often involving issues adjacent to, or within the public school system.  Transgender athletes in women's sports, censorship of sensitive literature in public schools, and censorship of dialogue regarding sexuality between teachers and students have been big issues Florida Republicans have faced.

Conservative rhetoric on these issues has more often than not welcomed mass protests from everyday Americans, to the corporate media.  But, if Florida and the governor's approach to education have been so unpopular and teachers are making less in Florida than anywhere else in the United States, how is it the best state in the union for education?

According to US News & World Report, Florida has the second-best rate of timely graduations among students at public institutions pursuing two- and four-year degrees, respectively.  College students in Florida also face the lowest in-state tuition and fees from Florida universities.

Florida's higher education standards could be credited to the emphasis Florida schools put on college readiness.  Florida sits at the top spot in the United States for college readiness metrics measured by 12th grade SAT and ACT scores.

Over the years, DeSantis has offered bonuses and incentives to Florida's teachers.  Florida teachers on the other hand, still petition for higher pay and complain about a lack of resources.  Numbers, however, do not lie and for now, Florida looks to be the best state in the country for education.

The post New Report Shows Florida #1 in US for Education appeared first on The Floridian.

All eyes have been on college campuses as young people along with outside agitators across America have protested the Israeli-Hamas conflict.  However, Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) has sent Florida state troopers to control pro-Palestinian protestors.

Top officials have confirmed that the Florida governor has directed the Florida Highway Patrol to respond to these protests.  "On countless occasions, campus and local law enforcement has requested the assistance of Florida Highway Patrol. And on countless other occasions, we have proactively assisted campus and local law enforcement," said Dave Kerner, executive director of the Florida Department of Safety and Motor Vehicles, which oversees the highway patrol.

Kerner further clarified that all of these proactive instances were at the direction of Governor DeSantis.  The governor himself actually hosted a press conference at Florida's flagship university, the University of Florida.

DeSantis made comments at the University of Florida on campus where pro-Palestinian protests have continued for a consecutive 15 days.  While the governor and his administration spoke about Florida's response to protests, protestors could be heard yelling chants in favor of Palestine.

Last week a total of 37 protestors were arrested across the campuses of UF, FSU, USF and UNF.  Florida first responders even deployed the use of tear gas to quell protestors.

For DeSantis, this is a battle against antisemitism and is proud of the job Florida has done in combatting these demonstrations in comparison to "elite" colleges like USC in California.  The governor stated last week, "elite colleges and universities that have allowed themselves to be overrun with encampments, graffiti as well as a lot of really nasty antisemitism."

Protests have sparked the Constitutional question recently of how far the right to speech and assembly go.  Conservatives like Governor DeSantis have taken the approach that your speech and assembly rights are not a hall pass to disturb the public.

The post DeSantis Sends Florida Troopers to Palestinian Protests appeared first on The Floridian.

Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) has recently appointed Silvia Castellanos to the Children's Trust Governing Board of Miami-Dade County.

Castellanos has built an impressive résumé over the course of her career.  She is the Director of External Affairs for Banyan Community Health Center where she works on developing Banyan’s, federal, state, and local strategy.  Castellanos has also worked with DeSantis before, serving as the South Florida Regional Representative for the Governor’s Office and managed logistics for Gov. DeSantis’ press conferences and events in South Florida.

Before working for the Office of the Governor, she was a Senior Aide for the Chairman of the Ways & Means Committee of the Florida House of Representatives.

Additionally, Castellanos has earned a bachelor's degree from Florida International University and a master's degree in Public Administration from Florida State University, leading to the governor's appointment of her to the Children's Trust Governing Board.

The Children's Trust Governing Board is a taxpayer funded institution that advocates for and funds strategic investments that improve the lives of all children and families in Miami-Dade County.

The board wields its power through public policy advocacy, which has a major effect on legislation produced in the Florida Legislature with more bills that protect children and families.

The Children's Trust Governing Board runs plenty of programs.  If you're interested in taking part, see more information here.

The post FIU's Silvia Castellanos Appointed to Children's Trust Board by DeSantis appeared first on The Floridian.

State Rep. Tom Leek (R-FL) has earned a massive victory with the endorsement of House Speaker Paul Renner (R-24) today, solidifying party support behind his state senate campaign.

Rep. Leek is currently making an effort to secure Florida's 7th District in the state senate, which is currently occupied by Senator Travis Hudson (R-FL) who will be vacating his office due to term limits.

Leek was first elected to the State House in 2016 and re-elected to the State House of Florida in 2022.  He is a graduate of the University of Central Florida for his undergraduate degree and Stetson University College of Law.

“I am proud to endorse my friend Tom Leek in his bid for Senate District 7. 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,” said Representative Renner.

Leek responded, "Thank you to Speaker Paul Renner for his endorsement of my campaign for the Florida Senate.  Speaker Renner has led with a servant’s heart and his vision, The Florida Way, 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."

In recent years Leek gained notoriety by passing legislation on hot-button issues in the state legislature.  Rep. Leek passed bills relating to emergency management and in banning “vaccine passports.” His biggest bill this year was HB 19, allowing the state to import drugs from foreign nations at a lower cost as long as the pharmaceuticals are approved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The post Tom Leek Scores Paul Renner Endorsement for State Senate Race appeared first on The Floridian.