Drew Wilson
Democrat Jennifer Webb announced Wednesday that a handful of local elected officials had endorsed her campaign for House District 69.
St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman headlined the block endorsement, which also included Pinellas County Commissioner Pat Gerard, and St. Petersburg City Councilmembers Charlie Gerdes and Brandi Gabbard.
“Jennifer has fought for our community and knows our district well. I know what it’s like to take strong stands in Tallahassee and I know Jennifer is the one for the job,” Kriseman said in a press release. “She’ll stand up to the special interests to protect our environment and quality education. She’s the fighter our district needs.”
Gerard said that Webb “has the skills and the temperament to be an outstanding legislator.”
“Her compassion for people and her thoughtful and intelligent nature will make her someone to be proud of. I am happy to support Jennifer Webb because I know she will make all Floridians a priority/”
Gabbard added that Webb was “excited to see an independent, intelligent woman such as Jennifer running to represent Pinellas County in Tallahassee,” while Gerdes said she was “tireless in her commitment to make our community a better place.”
The endorsements come two weeks after Webb announced a long list of community leaders who were supporting her campaign.
Webb is running for the House seat currently held by Republican Rep. Kathleen Peters, who is running for Pinellas County Commission rather than re-election to the House this year. Webb also ran for the seat in the 2016 cycle, but fell short on Election Day.
Webb faces Javier Centonzio in the Democratic Primary for the seat, which covers part of Pinellas including the communities of Redington Beach, Madeira Beach, Treasure Island, South Pasadena and Gulfport.
Jeremy Bailie and Ray Blacklidge are competing for the Republican nomination.
Through the end of January, Blacklidge led all candidates in the fundraising race with $76,714, followed by Webb at $57,951.
