Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster
Gary Price, a longtime Naples resident and former City Council member, has ended his campaign for state Senate.
“Due to the mounting stress the campaign was placing on my family and especially my wife, who is the primary caretaker for our son Garrett, I have decided that in order to continue to put my family first in my life, I must end my candidacy for Florida State Senate,” said Price in a statement Wednesday.
Price continued: “I want to thank my many supporters, who contributions had placed me in a strong financial position to win the election in August. However, a candidate’s family position has to be stronger than his financial one in order for a campaign to be a success.”
Price’s son has faced health challenges since birth. At 8 weeks old he received a double lung transplant, and at the age of 4 was diagnosed with autism.
“My family has always come first and they will always be first. I care very much about taking care of them,” said Price. “I care very much about this town and this area; I’m going to continue to be engaged.”
A financial planner, Price spent about a decade on Naples City Council. In recent years, he worked with state lawmakers and other stakeholders to address local pension concerns.
Price was one of three Naples Republicans running for the state Senate seat, SD 23, being vacated by Sen. Garrett Richter. Rep. Matt Hudson and Rep. Kathleen Passidomo have both announced their intentions to run for the seat.
“I totally understand and respect the decision,” said Passidomo. “Your family comes first, always.”
Hudson said he respected Price’s decision, saying “family has to come first.”
“Anyone who puts themselves out there in public service has to be commended,” said Hudson.
In a statement announcing his decision, Price said he looks forward to listening to the remaining GOP candidates’ “ideas on how to fix Tallahassee and best represent the values of Collier County.”
