A conservative nonprofit organization is launching a new advertising campaign in Florida's capital and Tampa Bay area, thanking Attorney General James Uthmeier for his efforts to combat Chinese influence in the state.
The Protecting America Initiative announced today it will begin airing television and digital ads highlighting Uthmeier's actions against products and companies with ties to the Chinese Communist Party.
The 30-second spot, titled “Sunlight,” specifically cites Uthmeier's seizure of thousands of illegal Chinese vapes, his demands for transparency from Chinese medical device companies, and his work to prevent Chinese-made products in Florida hospitals.
"They say sunlight is the best disinfectant, and in the Sunshine State, we're shining the light on the threats from China," the ad states, before thanking Uthmeier "for protecting Floridians from the China threat."
The ad buy targets the Tallahassee and Tampa television markets, along with digital platforms in both regions.
The campaign is the latest effort by PAI to raise awareness in Florida about Chinese products and influence in American infrastructure. The organization previously ran a six-figure ad campaign in Florida last fall focused on Chinese-made medical devices in U.S. hospitals. That campaign cited polling showing 80% of Florida voters are concerned that Chinese medical companies operating in the United States could be compelled to share patient data with Beijing.
Uthmeier, who was appointed Attorney General by Governor Ron DeSantis in January 2025 after serving as his chief of staff, has made combating foreign influence a priority of his tenure. His office has taken high-profile actions against Chinese products and companies operating in Florida, including an announcement that his office would be demanding audits from Chinese medical technology companies like Mindray North America, United Imaging, and MicroPort and disclosures of their ties to the Chinese Communist Party.
The Protecting America Initiative describes itself as a conservative organization focused on "safeguarding the nation from Communist China's growing influence."
