Phil Ammann
State Attorney Brian Haas is endorsing Republican Ben Albritton in the Florida Senate District 26 seat now held by Denise Grimsley, who is forgoing re-election for an Agriculture Commissioner bid.
“Ben has the right convictions and values to serve our area well,” said Haas, who serves the 10th Judicial Circuit covering Polk, Highlands and Hardee counties. “He believes, as I do, in holding criminals accountable for their actions to keep our community a safe place to live, work and visit. He also understands the importance of early intervention to keep our youth on the right track. I look forward to Ben’s continued leadership in the Florida Senate.”
Haas was elected State Attorney in 2016 after a stint as Chief Assistant State Attorney under Jerry Hill. A graduate of Bartow High School, Haas earned a bachelor’s degree from Flagler College in St. Augustine and a law degree from the University of Florida.
Over his career, Haas has prosecuted a range of crimes from misdemeanors to capital felonies and was assigned to the Special Prosecution Division at the State Attorney’s Office, where he prosecuted cases involving sexual crimes against children.
“Brian Haas is an outstanding servant-leader,” Albritton said in a campaign statement. “He values people and treats everyone with the fairness and respect they deserve. I greatly appreciate Brian’s endorsement and look forward to continuing to work with him for the betterment of our area.”
Haas’ endorsement of Albritton comes on the heels of the recent endorsements by U.S. Reps. Dennis Ross and Tom Rooney.
Albritton was first elected to the Florida House in 2010, where he has been a conservative advocate for entrepreneurs and children in Florida’s foster care system. He served as chair of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee and vice chair of the House Natural Resources and Public Lands Subcommittee. He also sits on the Appropriations Committee, the Agriculture and Property Rights Subcommittee, and the Government Accountability Committee.
Albritton, term-limited from running for re-election in 2018, serves as chair of the Polk County Legislative Delegation.
District 26, where Republicans outnumber Democrats 43 to 34 percent, covers parts of Charlotte, Lee and Polk counties, as well as all of DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Highlands and Okeechobee counties.
