The contentious Republican congressional primary race between public relations executive Bryan Leib and Ret. Brigadier General Christopher Eddy has reached a new level of vitriol. Leib, who recently jumped into the primary race in hopes of eventually replacing Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D), has released a video accusing Eddy’s campaign manager, Yvette Cerabona, of assaulting an individual at a July 4 parade in Weston, Florida.
In the video, Leib says that Cerabona “ripped the phone out” of the hand of a bystander that was going to take a group photo of him and his campaign staff, adding that Cerabona then proceeded to walk off with the woman’s phone.
The Floridian has independently confirmed that the alleged incident did occur.
Leib, who's considered the Trump candidate in the race, called the behavior “completely unhinged” and added that Cerabona was calling his volunteers that night “harassing them for supporting” him over Eddy.
WATCH: Since jumping into the #FL25 primary, I've been on the receiving end of a relentless smear campaign full of lies spearheaded by my opponent's campaign manager. That doesn't bother me at all. I knew what I was getting into when I jumped into the race and I will not let… pic.twitter.com/LqAfJ0xeWm
— Bryan E. Leib (FL-25) (@BryanLeibFL) July 8, 2024
In a response to our request for comment, Leib texted that Cerabona “body-checked” the woman as she took her phone, and questioned Eddy’s decision to hire her.
We reached out to Eddy for comment, but he refused to comment on Leib’s video because he was not aware of the post.
“I didn’t see his post so I don’t have any comment,” stated Eddy in an email.
In response, we emailed Eddy the video, but have not received a response back.
The latest FEC fundraising totals show Eddy with an advantage. Eddy has raised about $87,000, while Leib is expected to post his first filing by July 15.
Both men have announced campaign endorsements, with Leib being the only one to garner congressional endorsements.
Reps.Cory Mills, Byron Donalds, Mary Miller, and Pat Fallon, have all endorsed Leib’s congressional bid.
Eddy recently released a handful of local endorsements and the support of Ret. Lt. General Michael Flynn.
The primary election is on August 30.
