Florida Citrus Commissioners say Albritton
is best prepared to represent District 26.
The Ben Albritton Campaign today announced the endorsement of four members of the Florida Citrus Commission (FCC), including its chairman and vice chairman. Albritton is seeking the District 26 seat in the Florida Senate, currently held by Denise Grimsley, who is running for Commissioner of Agriculture.
“Citrus is the heart of District 26, and as a grower and former board member, Ben Albritton has a unique understanding of the importance and needs of our industry,” said Marty McKenna, Chair of the FCC.
“In the Florida House, Ben Albritton has been a champion of Florida agriculture,” added Mike Garavaglia, FCC Vice Chair. “There is no doubt he will continue to be an effective advocate for citrus and the entire agriculture industry in the Senate.”
V.C. Hollingsworth III and Ned Hancock, FCC members, agreed: “We know Ben Albritton to be a man of his word. He is a passionate and enthusiastic representative of Florida agriculture and deeply enjoys serving our state and its people. We look forward to his continued leadership in the Florida Senate.”
“I am honored that Florida citrus leaders are entrusting me with their support,” said Albritton. “Florida citrus and all of agriculture face so many threats that could have devastating effects on Florida’s Heartland. In the Florida Senate, I will work tirelessly to defend our vital industry and keep it a job-producing engine for our region.”
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.
