Businessman Joe Strada announced his candidacy for Florida's 11th Congressional District with a $5 million personal contribution to his campaign this week.
Strada, founder of Strada Services, a large air conditioning, electric, security, and plumbing company in the state, enters a crowded Republican primary to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster (R-FL).
Strada, a Trump ally, joins Lake County Commissioner Anthony Sabatini, Carey Baker, Mike Wilnau, Tim Wilkins, and several others for the seat, which includes all of Sumter County, and parts of Orange County and Lake County in Central Florida.
His entrance into the race comes as national Republicans and the White House look to defeat Sabatini in particular, a social media firebrand who has attacked President Donald Trump's immigration policy, particularly over a lack of illegal alien deportations. Sabatini also clashed with Susie Wiles, Trump's current White House chief of staff, and other advisers after trying to oust Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel, who Wiles supported.
Will Strada's Trump allegiance, and Sabatini's thorn to the brass, position him as a favorite in the race?
Strada's business acumen also may be a benefit. Strada Services, founded in 2003, has more than 4,000 employes in 13 states with an annual revenue of over $1 billion.
Notably, the company has multiple offices in CD 11, possibly putting Strada's self-made business on full display to voters. A handyman right out of high school, Strada is also a father and grandfather.
"Washington already has plenty of politicians. What it needs are more people who have signed the front of a paycheck, built businesses, created jobs, and solved real-world problems. I'm running as a conservative outsider because the status quo isn't working for the families and businesses that keep this country moving," Strada wrote on his campaign website.
Royal Webster, Dan Williams, and Shawn Bettis are running on the Democratic ticket.
