Phil Ammann
U.S. Rep. Curt Clawson has endorsed Republican Byron Donalds for House District 80, the seat held by term-limited state Rep. Matt Hudson.
Donalds is now running unopposed for the district that contains parts of Collier and Hendry counties. Hudson, a Naples Republican now speaker pro tempore, will be running for the state Senate.
“Byron’s innovative thinking and infectious energy make him the right agent for change at the right time in Tallahassee,” said Clawson, a Republican from Bonita Springs. “Byron and his wife, Erika, have dedicated themselves to serving their community, and I am proud to call them friends.”
Clawson is a businessman and former star college basketball player who represents Florida’s 19th Congressional District. He won a special election to replace former Rep. Trey Radel after the outspoken lawmaker resigned amid charges of cocaine possession.
“Congressman Clawson understands that the future of our state requires elected representatives committed to pursuing economic and ecological solutions essential to Florida’s future,” Donalds said. “He also understands that elected officials must be willing and able to take the Republican message of free markets and limited government to all people.
“He has put remarkable faith in me with this endorsement, and I know he will be a strong ally for our cause.”
Donalds, an expert in finance, insurance, and banking, is a speaker and frequent guest on Daybreak with Drew Steele on 92.5 Fox News FM, The Bob Harden Show, and The Joe Whitehead Show on 98.9 WGUF. Gov. Rick Scott appointed him to the Board of Trustees for Florida Southwestern State College, formerly Edison State College.
In 2012, Donalds carried Collier County in the Republican primary to succeed U.S. Rep. Connie Mack during his ultimately unsuccessful bid for U.S. Senate.
