Drew Wilson
Republican Alex Andrade picked up an endorsement for his House District 2 campaign Wednesday from Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayword.
“Alex Andrade’s commitment to his community coupled with his conservative principles makes him the right candidate to continue our region’s strong legacy of leadership in Tallahassee. Alex has a servant’s heart and is a trusted leader. He will bring a civil, common-sense approach to solving the challenges our state faces,” Hayward said.
Andrade, currently the lone GOP candidate in the race, said he was “humbled” to have earned Hayward’s support.
“Mayor Hayward’s passion and commitment to Pensacola is on display throughout the City. I will work to represent District 2 with the same passion and commitment Mayor Hayward shows each and every day. ” Andrade said.
HD 2 is open in 2018 due to first-term Rep. Frank White opting to run in the four-way Republican Primary for Attorney General rather than for re-election to the House.
Andrade is currently working as an attorney for Moore, Hill & Westmoreland and is a two-time alumnus of the University of Florida, where he earned both his bachelor’s degree and J.D. from the state’s flagship school.
During his time at UF’s Levin College of Law he served as President of the Trial Team and Chief Justice of the UF Supreme Court, earning himself a slot on the UF Student Affairs Hall of Fame in 2014 via a vote by a committee including faculty, staff, and two hall-of-famers.
Andrade’s also had some success on the fundraising trail since filing for the seat in November. So far his only opposition is Democrat Raymond Clayton Guillory, who filed for the seat in March but hasn’t gained any traction in the money race and stands little chance of winning the heavily Republican seat.
