A cross-section of Charlotte County elected officials are the latest area leaders
to coalesce around Albritton as the right choice for the Florida Senate.
The Ben Albritton Campaign today announced the support of several Charlotte County elected officials. State Representative Mike Grant; County Commissioners Ken Doherty, Joe Tiseo, and Bill Truex; former State Representative Ken Roberson; and Punta Gorda Mayor Rachel Keesling are all lining up behind Albritton’s bid for the District 26 seat in the Florida Senate.
The Charlotte officials are part of a growing list of local leaders at all levels of government who are backing Albritton. They join U.S. Representatives Dennis Ross and Tom Rooney as well as State Attorney Brian Haas, who have also recently endorsed Albritton.
“Ben Albritton’s proven track record of thoughtful, conservative leadership makes him the clear choice for District 26 in the Florida Senate,” said Commissioner Truex. “We know we can count on him to continue to treat his constituents with respect and make decisions that will benefit the people of Charlotte County.”
Truex and Doherty were both elected to the County Commission in 2012 and re-elected in 2016, with Truex elected as Chair three years in a row. Tiseo was elected for the first time last year.
“I have worked with Ben and know his integrity and commitment to doing public service the right way,” said Grant. “With Ben in the Florida Senate, his constituents can be confident they have someone in Tallahassee who will always put their best interest first.”
Grant was elected last year to represent Charlotte County in the District 75 seat in the Florida House after having previously served in the House from 2004 to 2008. Roberson served in the Florida House from 2008 to 2016.
“After having watched Ben Albritton’s career in the House, I’m convinced we can count on him in the Florida Senate,” said Roberson.
“I look forward to working with him to keep Punta Gorda and all of our communities strong,” said Keesling.
Keesling was elected to the Punta Gorda City Council in 2011 and as mayor in 2013. She and her husband have lived in Punta Gorda for almost 25 years.
“Charlotte County is fortunate to have such fine men and women in public service,” said Albritton. “I am honored to have their support, and I look forward to working with them on policies that will strengthen families and our economy.”
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.
