Scott Powers
Republican candidate David Smith continues to roll out endorsements of his candidacy for the Seminole County-based House District 28 seat, with support announced Thursday from Seminole County Property Appraiser David Johnson and two others.
With the endorsements from Johnson, Longwood Mayor Benjamin Paris, and Seminole County Soil and Water Commissioner Edmund Young adding to others announced in recent weeks, Smith’s campaign seeks to make it clear he is locking up Republican support for his candidacy.
Smith also has demonstrated robust fundraising, having brought in more than $140,000 through the end of November. Democrat Lee Mangold is the only other candidate to have entered the race, aiming to succeed state Rep. Jason Brodeur in a district Republicans have held comfortably for a long time.
“David Smith has a proven track record as a Marine Corps officer, businessman and community servant,” Johnson stated in a news release issued by Smith’s campaign. “He will make an outstanding state representative for House District 28. I am honored to endorse his candidacy.”
Smith is a Winter Springs business consultant and a retired U.S. Marine Corps colonel.
“As the only millennial mayor in Seminole County and a member of the younger generation of Florida politics, there are a number of attributes I look for in a candidate,” Paris stated in the release. “They should possess a high degree of independent thought and the willingness to stand up for liberty and freedom, regardless of party. I do not take this act lightly, so it is with great pleasure and the utmost sincerity that I formally endorse Republican David Smith for Florida House District 28.”
Added Young: “As a longtime resident, teacher and elected official in Seminole County, I am pleased to offer David Smith my endorsement for Florida House District 28.”
“I’m honored to add these three dedicated public servants to our growing list of supporters throughout Seminole County,” Smith stated in the release. “They are all respected leaders and serve their constituents with honesty and integrity. I look forward to the opportunity to work with them to do great things for Central Florida.”
