Drew Wilson
Republican Ryan Gill has entered the race to succeed Rep. Lawrence McClure in Hillsborough-based House District 68.
“As a sixth-generation Floridian from Eastern Hillsborough County, I understand just how special a place this community is and what an economic engine it is for our state. It’s a place that values hard work, personal responsibility, and American values. Its future depends on leaders who will stand up and fight for what our community holds dear, and it’s why I am filing for state Representative,” Gill said in a news release.
“Florida is the greatest and most prosperous state in the nation and it is through conservative values and Constitutional principles that we can continue to build on our success. We have a real opportunity — under the leadership of President Trump — to make government more efficient, to secure our local communities, and to make Florida more affordable for everyone. I’m ready to get to work and join this fight for our America First values in Tallahassee.”
Gill is a cattle rancher who was born and raised in east Hillsborough. His family has cultivated the same land for more than 120 years. He and his wife of 18 years, Kaylie Gill, and their four children — Eli, Ella, Cuttler and Emma Grace — are keeping the agricultural legacy going by managing the family farming and ranching operations.
Gill is the first candidate to file for HD 68 this cycle.
HD 68 covers a chunk of northeastern Hillsborough County, including Plant City. The district tilts Republican, with book closing reports released ahead of the 2024 elections showing an electorate that’s 45% Republican and 27% Democrat, with the remainder composed of third- and no-party voters.
McClure easily won re-election in the district in the only two contests since reapportionment. Last year, he defeated Democratic nominee Lisa Carpus 63%-34%. In 2022, he defeated Democratic nominee Lorissa Wright 68%-32%.
