FTBA releases trio of Cabinet endorsements
by Jordan Kirkland | Aug 8, 2022
The Florida Transportation Builders' Association is backing Republicans Ashley Moody, Jimmy Patronis, and Wilton Simpson
FTBA represents hundreds of members and is the transportation construction industry's watchdog
The Primary Election is on Aug. 23 with the General Election to be held on Nov. 8
The Florida Transportation Builders' Association (FTBA) rolled out a trio of Cabinet endorsements today ahead of the 2022 elections.
FTBA announced in a Monday news release that it was backing Attorney General Ashley Moody and Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis in their re-election campaigns. The voice of Florida's transportation construction industry also stamped its seal of approval on Republican Wilton Simpson in his bid for Agriculture Commissioner.
"As the voice of the transportation construction industry, the FTBA board of directors is proud to endorse Ashley Moody for Attorney General, Jimmy Patronis for Chief Financial Officer and Wilton Simpson for Commissioner of Agriculture in the upcoming election so that they may continue their good work on behalf of all Floridians," said Henry Mayfield, chairman of the FTBA board of directors and vice president and general manager of M of Tallahassee, Inc.
"Attorney General Moody, CFO Patronis and Simpson have each had a positive impact on our great state during their time in office," added Ananth Prasad, president of FTBA. "FTBA has worked closely with each over the years to ensure they understand how the transportation construction industry is key to supporting businesses, jobs, tourism and the vitality of our great state. The state's road and bridge builders have appreciated their continued support and believe Florida needs their continued leadership. We are proud to endorse each of their campaigns."
FTBA, which represents hundreds of members and is the transportation construction industry's watchdog, also highlighted each Republican candidate individually.
The group praised Moody for protecting Florida's lifeblood since taking office in 2018. Moody does not have a challenger in the Aug. 23 Primary Election. Democrats vying to face Moody in Nov. include 'Grim Reaper' Daniel Uhlfelder, Aramis Ayala, a former Orange-Osceola State Attorney, and Fort Lauderdale attorney Jim Lewis.
"Since taking office, General Moody has fought on a daily basis to protect the rights of Florida businesses and residents," added Mayfield. "We have the utmost trust in her to continue that mission and offer our full support as she seeks re-election this year."
Like Moody, FTBA thanked Patronis for promoting Florida's business community. The CFO also has no Republican challenger but will face Tampa Democrat Adam Hattersley in the Nov. 8 General Election.
"Throughout his many years of public service, CFO Patronis has proven himself to be a strong leader dedicated to ensuring Florida not only remains the best state to do business, but also the best state to both live in and visit," continued Mayfield. "A critical component of that is smart infrastructure investments, which the CFO has always supported, and that's why we are proud to offer him our endorsement."
FTBA also touted Simpson for prioritizing and funding critical infrastructure in the Sunshine State. Simpson, who is heavily favored to become the next Florida agriculture commissioner, has served in the Florida Senate since 2012. The Tribly Republican will face James Shaw in the Republican Primary on Aug. 23.
"As Senate President, Wilton Simpson made fiscally responsible infrastructure investments that help create jobs, improve the quality of life of Floridians and provide a return on investment for the state," concluded Mayfield. "We are confident that he will continue to serve the best interests of our state and its citizens as Commissioner of Agriculture."