Florida Citrus Mutual today endorsed Ben Albritton for the District 26 seat in the Florida Senate, calling him the “clear citrus choice.” In case you missed it, their announcement is below.
FCM Endorses Albritton in District 26 Senate Race
Florida Citrus Mutual, the state’s largest citrus trade organization, announced Monday a strong endorsement of Florida Rep. Ben Albritton in the District 26 state Senate race.
FCM’s Board of Directors, comprised of growers from across the state, unanimously supported the Albritton endorsement.
“As the District 56 House Representative in Tallahassee for the past seven years, Ben has been our industry’s horse supporting us on everything from research and marketing to regulatory issues,” said Michael W. Sparks, executive VP/CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual. “He’s actually the only two-time winner of FCM’s Champion of Citrus award. I can’t overstate what a help he has been to Florida citrus and I’m sure he will continue that tradition in the Senate.”
District 26 encompasses parts or all of Polk, Highlands, Hardee, DeSoto, Charlotte, Glades, Okeechobee and Lee counties. The seat is being vacated by Senator Denise Grimsley who is running for Commissioner of Agriculture.
“Representative Albritton is the clear citrus choice in this race,” said John Barben, a Highlands County grower who serves as FCM president. “As a citrus grower himself Ben is uniquely qualified to advocate for us in Tallahassee.”
“But even beyond citrus I think he will be a terrific Senator for the people, businesses and families of District 26.”
The Florida citrus industry creates a $8.6 billion annual economic impact, employing nearly 46,000 people, and covering about 500,000 acres. Founded in 1948, Florida Citrus Mutual is the state’s largest citrus grower organization. For more information, visit www.flcitrusmutual.com.
