NRA endorses Jeff Mann for HD 56

The National Rifle Association on Friday endorsed Bartow Republican Jeff Mann in the race to succeed term-limited Rep. Ben Albritton in House District 56.

“I am honored to have the support and endorsement of the National Rifle Association. Since 1871, the NRA has fought to protect the 2nd Amendment rights of all Americans” Mann said.

“Marion Hammer and the 6 million members of the NRA are dedicated to protecting the rights of all lawful Americans and I am proud of the work the NRA does.”

Mann is a lifetime Republican who owns and runs Mann Septic in Bartow. He has also served 15 years as government relations chairman for the Florida Onsite Waste Water Association.

He faces fellow Republican Melony Bell, also of Bartow, in the Aug. 28 primary. HD 56 is one of five contests, including three in the Tampa Bay area, to have its primary election locked down by a write-in candidate.

Bell currently leads the money race with more than $165,000 raised and more than $105,000 banked as of June 22. Mann has not yet filed his report for the first three weeks of June, but as of May 31 he had raised $51,615 and had about $45,000 on hand in his campaign account.

HD 56 includes all of DeSoto and Hardee counties as well as part of Polk County. It is a Republican stronghold that voted plus-26 for President Donald Trump two years ago.