PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. – A sizable group of local politicians in Pinellas County threw their political weight behind Byron Donalds on Tuesday, announcing a joint endorsement of his run for Florida Governor.
More than 25 elected officials—spanning a wide mix of mayors, county commissioners, and city council members—officially backed the candidate, citing his economic platform and conservative track record as the primary reasons for their support.
The endorsement roster features high-profile figures from across the county’s various municipalities, including Clearwater Mayor Bruce Rector, Largo Mayor Woody Brown, and St. Pete Beach Mayor Scott Tate. Constitutional officers for the region also joined the list, notably State Attorney Bruce Bartlett, Public Defender Sara Mollo, and Property Appraiser Mike Twitty.
Local leaders supporting Donalds emphasized his focus on regional economic health and local government alignment.
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Pinellas County Tax Collector Adam Ross voiced his confidence in Donalds’ trajectory, stating, “Byron Donalds is the conservative leader I trust to keep Florida strong, and he is a proven fighter. Byron will keep Florida free, protect our pocketbooks, and deliver for Pinellas County and all of Florida. He is engaging with voters, and his popularity is based on the vision he has been sharing while traveling around the state. I know Byron will be a great leader for the next chapter of our state and I am proud to endorse him to be our next Governor.”
Pinellas County Commissioner Brian Scott also released a statement regarding his decision to back the campaign, noting Donalds’ approach to municipal needs.
“As a Pinellas County Commissioner, I am proud to offer my full support and endorsement of Byron Donalds for Governor of the State of Florida,” Scott said. “Throughout his career in public service, Byron Donalds has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to fiscal responsibility, economic opportunity, and accountable government. He understands that strong communities are built on safe neighborhoods, a thriving local economy, and leadership that listens to the people it serves.”
The unified announcement comes as Donalds continues to build out his campaign infrastructure across the state. According to campaign representatives, the Pinellas County coalition aligns with recent internal polling showing favorable general election matchups for Donalds as he campaigns under his central platform to “Defend the Florida Dream.”
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