Florida’s political leaders are taking sides in the increasingly contentions Republican primary in the state attorney general’s race.
On Thursday morning, Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera endorsed former Judge Ashley Moody to replace term limited Attorney General Pam Bondi.
“Ashley Moody is the conservative choice for attorney general who is best qualified to continue with Pam Bondi’s legacy of keeping our streets safe, defending the Second Amendment, and ensuring those who break the law are held accountable,” Lopez-Cantera said. “I am proud to endorse Ashley and am confident she will work with the next administration as well as Pam Bondi has with Governor Scott and me.”
“I am honored to receive the support of Lt. Governor Lopez-Cantera who has a distinguished conservative record of service to the state of Florida,” said Moody. “Having worked alongside Governor Scott and Attorney General Bondi, he recognizes the importance of having an attorney general with the right background to effectively address the complex criminal justice issues facing our state. As a former prosecutor and judge, I will press forward to build on the great legacy of Attorney General Bondi combating the opioid epidemic, human trafficking, and elder abuse. I am extremely grateful for his confidence in my candidacy and I will strive every day to deserve the honor and responsibility as Florida’s Top Cop.”
State Rep. Frank White, R-Pensacola, who is running against Moody in the primary, unveiled a host of House members backing his campaign earlier in the week.
Republican state Reps. Travis Cummings of Orange Park, Manny Diaz of Hialeah Gardens, Dane Eagle of Cape Coral, Randy Fine of Palm Bay, Bill Hager of Boca Raton, Mike LaRosa of St. Cloud and Ray Rodrigues of Fort Myers.
“Frank White will fight for our shared, conservative values,” said Rodrigues. “We need a warrior like Frank who isn’t afraid to take on liberal judges and elites who mock our values and threaten our Constitution. I’m proud to stand with Frank, because I have seen first hand his commitment to out traditional conservative values.”
“We need strong leaders like Frank White who will make sure every branch of government follows our Constitution,” Eagle said on Tuesday. “No exceptions. No special privileges.”
The primary will be held at the end of next month.
