Phil Ammann
Citing his conservative record, State Rep. Travis Hutson received endorsements today from three prominent local elected officials in the Senate District 6 special election.
Seventh Judicial Circuit State Attorney R.J. Larizza, St. Johns County Sheriff David Shoar and Volusia County Sheriff Ben Johnson have each thrown their weight behind the Elkton Republican in the GOP primary set for January 27.
Special elections were called when longtime Republican state Sen. John Thrasher resigned in November to become Florida State University president.
Hutson currently serves in House District 24, which includes Flagler County and parts of St. Johns and Volusia Counties; he was first elected in 2012 and subsequently re-elected. District 6 includes Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns Counties, as well as part of Volusia County.
“I believe Travis would be an excellent addition to the Florida Senate,” Larizza said in a statement. “He is a dedicated, fiscally-responsible Conservative Republican, and I believe he would work tirelessly in Tallahassee to protect and defend our constitution.”
Johnson added that Hutson is a Republican leader concerned for all citizens of his district.
“He cares about the well-being of the First Coast, and the people in it,” he said. “I know he will work to protect their rights and make sure they are heard.”
Shoar noted that Hutson would focus on growing the job base, improving the education system and reducing government spending and waste.
“Northeast Florida needs Travis and his Conservative values fighting for us in the Senate,” he said.
Hutson responded that he was “overwhelmed by the outpour of support” by the three officials.
“Public servants, such as State Attorney Larizza and Sheriffs Shoar and Johnson, are a part of the backbone of Northeast Florida and I appreciate their endorsement and words of encouragement,” Hutson said. “If elected, I pledge to serve our communities with the utmost respect and deliver results the First Coast can count on for years to come.
“Safeguarding our neighbors, lowering taxes, creating jobs and empowering parents in public education are all top priorities.”
Since entering the District 6 race, Hutson received endorsements from Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam and former state Rep. Bill Proctor.
Hutson faces Ponte Vedra Beach Republican Rep. Ronald “Doc” Renuart and Dennis McDonald in the GOP primary, where the winner will face Democrat David Cox in the general election on April 7.
