Scott Powers
The Central Florida Chapter of the Florida Police Benevolent Association, one of the largest law enforcement organizations in the region, has endorsed Republican John Newstreet in the special election for state House District 44, his campaign announced Tuesday.
“Of all the candidates in this special election, John Newstreet is the only one who truly understands the value of service to one’s community,” Ron Beardslee, political director of the Central Florida Chapter of the Florida Police Benevolent Association, stated in a release. “He showcases the value of what we are looking for to represent our members and are encouraging everyone who we represent to vote for him.”
The Central Florida PBA represents officers in a dozen departments, including the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the Orlando Police Department, and the Winter Garden and Ocoee police departments.
Newstreet is in a Republican primary race with three rivals, Bobby Olszewski, Bruno Portigliatti, and Dr. Usha Jain. Absentee voting already is underway, early voting begins Saturday, and the primary election day is Aug. 15. The winner faces Democrat Paul Chandler in an Oct. 10 general election to replace former state Rep. Eric Eisnaugle, who resigned this past spring.
Newstreet’s campaign contends he has received “every major endorsement issued by organizations focused on improving the community and the opportunities of its members.”
“To often in today’s society the service our police officers provide our community each and every day is overlooked and taken for granted,” Newstreet stated in a release from his campaign. “It will be an honor working with the men and women in blue who are on the front lines of keeping our citizens safe.”
