Patronis Releases Video Endorsing Leek One Day Before Pivotal State Senate Race

Rep. Tom Leek

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis (R-FL) has endorsed State Representative Tom Leek (R-FL) for State Senate. In a video, CFO Patronis supported his “good friend” that he believes Floridians in State Senate District 7 should trust.

“Hey friends, CFO Jimmy Patronis. Let me tell you about my good friend Tom Leek. Tom Leek’s campaigning to be in the Florida State Senate from northeast Florida,” said Patronis. “An amazing leader, he’s a leader you can trust. Believe me, we need Tom Leek in the Florida Senate. So, tomorrow, vote for Tom Leek for Florida State Senate. God Bless.”

This endorsement comes in addition to Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) and some of his allies such as State Attorney General Ashley Moody (R-FL) and outgoing Florida Speaker of the House Paul Renner (R-FL). Leek has also received the endorsements of Congressmen Mike Waltz (R-FL) and Cory Mills (R-FL), Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) and 12 state legislators.

State Rep. Leek’s campaign received a bit of a setback, however, as former President Donald Trump (R) endorsed his primary opponent, David Shoar, a former St. Johns County Sheriff.

President Trump stated this:

"David Shoar is a tremendous America First Patriot who is running to represent the incredible people of Florida's 7th State Senate District! A Gulf War Army Veteran, David bravely served our Country and has continued to fight to protect our Communities as St. Johns County Sheriff," Trump posted to his social media site, Truth Social. He insisted that Shoar would take on Trump's biggest issues: securing the border, lowering inflation, protecting the "always-under-siege" Second Amendment, and supporting the military.

"David Shoar, who is 100% MAGA, and has been with us from the very beginning, has my Complete and Total Endorsement - HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!" Trump wrote.

Leek, Shoar, and another Republican Gerry James will face off on Tuesday, Aug. 20 in the Republican primary. The winner will take on George Hill II (D). State Senator Travis Hutson (R-FL) currently holds the seat and ran unopposed in the general election in 2022. In 2020, he faced a Democrat and won by 23 points. The area is consistently red.

Jackson Bakich

Born in Orlando but raised in Lake County, Florida, Jackson Bakich is currently a senior at Florida State University. Growing up in the sunshine state, Bakich co-hosted the political talk radio show "Lake County Roundtable" (WLBE) and was a frequent guest for "Lake County Sports Show" (WQBQ). Currently, he is the Sports Editor of the FSView and the co-host of "Tomahawk Talk" (WVFS), a sports talk radio program covering Florida State athletics in Tallahassee.