Scott Powers
John Newstreet has received another major business association endorsement in the special election race for the open seat in Florida’s House District 44, with nods from two political committees representing the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association.
Both the CFHLA political action committee and the CFHL political committee gave unanimous endorsements to Newstreet, president and chief executive officer of the Kissimmee/Osceola County Chamber of Commerce, his campaign announced Monday.
So far, every major business group in Orange County has picked Newstreet, over fellow Republicans Winter Garden businessman Bobby Olszewski, Orlando businessman Bruno Portigliatti and emergency and urgent care physician Dr. Usha Jain. They’ll face off in an Aug. 15 primary.
Paul Chandler is running for the Democrats.
“Throughout this campaign, I have been consistently humbled by the outpouring of support given to my campaign,” Newstreet stated in a news release. “I determined to go to Tallahassee and focus on growing our economy and look forward to working with the leaders of CFHLA and the other groups who have also endorsed this campaign.”
District 44 include most of the Central Florida tourism corridor in southwest Orange County.
In its endorsement letter, CFHLA-PAC stated: “Your support of Central Florida’s hospitality industry and commitment to fight for VISIT FLORIDA and protect the Tourist Development Tax was well-received by CFHLA members, and as such, the CFHLA-PAC and PC Boards unanimously voted to endorse your campaign.”
