Drew Wilson
Republican David Smith announced Monday that he had landed endorsements from the mayors of four Seminole County cities for his House District 28 campaign.
Smith, who qualified for the ballot via petition last week, earned the support of Oviedo Mayor Dominic Persampiere, Winter Springs Mayor Charles Lacey, Sanford Mayor Jeff Triplett and Longwood Mayor Joe Durso.
“David has a reputation for honesty and integrity,” Persampiere said. “He has a proven track record of leadership and service from his 30-year career in the U.S. Marine Corps. I’m confident he will represent all the people of Seminole County to the very best of his ability.”
The other mayors also saluted Smith for his leadership, while Lacey and Triplett cited his conservative values in their statements of support. Durso hit the same notes, but also pointed to Smith’s community service as a deciding factor in his endorsement.
“David has worked hard to make our community a better place to live. His work with local Veterans has been especially noteworthy,” Durso said. “He has my full support.”
The four mayors join Seminole County Commissioner Bob Dallari, who announced he was backing Smith in March, shortly after he filed.
Smith said he was “humbled and proud” to get the mayors’ backing.
“Each of these gentlemen has a tremendous record of public service in Seminole County,” he said. “I look forward to working with all of them on key issues to make Central Florida a better place to live, work, get an education and raise a family.”
Smith is one of three candidates running for the seat, currently held by termed-out Republican Rep. Jason Brodeur. Casselberry Democrat Lee Mangold was the second-in, followed by Republican Christopher Anderson, who filed his paperwork in June.
Smith is far out front in fundraising. Through August, he had raised more than $120,000 and had about $105,000 on hand, though about half of that was his own money.
Mangold has raised about $13,000 since April, with $10,000 coming in through loans, while Anderson has brought in about $9,500.
