State Attorney Brian Haas is the latest elected official who says Albritton
is the right leader to succeed Denise Grimsley in the Florida Senate.
The Ben Albritton Campaign today announced the endorsement of Brian Haas, State Attorney for the 10th Judicial Circuit. Albritton is seeking the District 26 seat in the Florida Senate, currently held by Denise Grimsley, who is running for Commissioner of Agriculture.
“Ben has the right convictions and values to serve our area well,” said Haas. “He believes, as I do, in holding criminals accountable for their actions to keep our community a safe place to live, work, and visit. He also understands the importance of early intervention to keep our youth on the right track I look forward to Ben’s continued leadership in the Florida Senate.”
Haas was elected as State Attorney in 2016 after previously serving as Chief Assistant State Attorney under Jerry Hill. He is a graduate of Bartow High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from Flagler College in St. Augustine and a law degree from the University of Florida.
Haas has prosecuted crimes ranging from misdemeanors to capital felonies and was assigned to the Special Prosecution Division at the State Attorney’s Office, where he prosecuted cases involving sexual crimes against children. He has also represented the State of Florida in many jury trials, including the prosecution of violent crimes. Florida’s 10th Judicial Circuit covers Polk, Highlands and Hardee Counties.
“Brian Haas is an outstanding servant-leader,” said Albritton. “He values people and treats everyone with the fairness and respect they deserve. I greatly appreciate Brian’s endorsement and look forward to continuing to work with him for the betterment of our area.”
Haas’s support for Albritton comes on the heels of the recent endorsements by Congressmen Dennis Ross and Tom Rooney.
In 2010, Albritton was elected to the Florida House of Representatives, where he has been a staunch advocate for entrepreneurs and children in Florida’s foster care system. He is also known for his strong conservative record on Second Amendment rights and protection for the unborn. He is the Chair of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee and Vice Chair of the House Natural Resources and Public Lands Subcommittee. He also sits on the Appropriations Committee, the Agriculture and Property Rights Subcommittee, and the Government Accountability Committee, and he currently serves as the Chair of the Polk County Legislative Delegation.
With Grimsley’s decision to not seek re-election, District 26, where Republicans outnumber Democrats 43 to 34 percent, is an open seat. Centered in Florida’s Heartland, the district covers parts of Charlotte, Lee, and Polk Counties, as well as all of DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Highlands, and Okeechobee Counties.
