Former President Donald Trump officially endorsed two incumbent Florida officials: Attorney General Ashley Moody and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis. So far, both incumbent Republicans are facing challenges from notable Democrats.
Moody has two Democrat challengers: attorney Jim Lewis and former Florida State Attorney Ayala Aramis. Aramis was once a rumored challenger to Florida Senator Marco Rubio (R) for a Florida Senate seat.
Trump released an official statement praising Moody’s work since being elected in 2018.
“Ashley Moody has been a terrific Attorney General for the Great State of Florida. Since being elected in 2018, Ashley has supported Florida’s men and women in Law Enforcement, and made public safety her top priority. She is a proud defender of the Second Amendment, protects our great Vets and truly knows and understands the importance of Law and Order.
A former United States Attorney, Ashley successfully prosecuted drug, firearm, and fraud offenses and, elected at age 31, was the youngest judge in Florida. As President, I appointed Ashley to the Presidential Commission on Law Enforcement and she has been a crusader fighting opioid abuse and human trafficking ever since. Ashley Moody will never let you down, and I give her my Complete and Total Endorsement!”
Lewis has been involved in Florida’s political scene since 1981 when he served as Assistant State Attorney of Orlando until 1984 and then as a special prosecutor for former Florida Governor Bob Graham (D). He’s owned his private criminal defense practice and litigated there since 1993.
Aramis’ political committee received around $1.4 million from George Soros last year and became famous for banning prosecutors for pursuing the death penalty. Aramis has been tabbed as a far-Left progressive by conservative critics.
Trump’s endorsement for Patronis in the CFO race comes as former Florida State Representative Adam Hattersley (D) recently entered the race.
“Jimmy is a defender of the 2nd Amendment, strongly supports our First Responders and our Great Vets and works to keep Florida’s Economy strong,” Trump said. “Jimmy Patronis is a committed conservative and a great family man and I give him my Complete and Total Endorsement!”
Hattersley announced his challenge to Patronis on Twitter.
“Today, I am proud to announce my candidacy to be Florida’s next Chief Financial Officer,” Hattersley said. “Floridians deserve a CFO who will show up and fight for them. I pledge to be that CFO. I will represent you, the people of Florida, and not special interests.”
Today, I am proud to announce my candidacy to be Florida's next Chief Financial Officer. Floridians deserve a CFO who will show up and fight for them. I pledge to be that CFO. I will represent you, the people of Florida, and not special interests. #WheresJimmy pic.twitter.com/EfbZKBjzfY
— Adam Hattersley (@HattersleyforFL) March 1, 2022
Hattersley has tried to brand himself as a moderate Democrat from his service in the Iraq War and being a Bronze Star recipient. However, Patronis has referred to Hattersley as “Lockdown Adam,” for supposed support of COVID lockdown policies.
Moody and Patronis have raised millions of campaign dollars, and their Democrat challengers will have to make up ground to unseat the Republicans.
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Grant Holcomb is a reporter at The Florida Capital Star and The Star News Network. Follow Grant on Twitter and direct message tips.
