Drew Wilson
Republican businessman Aakash Patel picked up an endorsement for his Hillsborough County Commission campaign Thursday from current District 2 Commissioner Victor Crist.
The two have known each other since Crist was in the state Senate and Patel, now 33, was a student at Sickles High School. Later they worked together when Crist re-appointed Patel to serve on the Citizen’s Advisory Committee where he was Vice Chair for two years.
“I am pleased to endorse Aakash Patel for Hillsborough County Commission. I have been impressed with his energy and involvement in our community. His work ethic and drive will be very beneficial to the Commission,” Crist said.
“The experience and commonsense he brought to the Citizen’s Advisory Committee were invaluable to his fellow committee members and helped to improve the quality of their decision-making.”
Patel, who runs his own business consulting firm, is running for the District 1 commission seat currently held by Republican Sandra Murman, who is running for the countywide District 7 seat in 2018.
“It is such an honor to have the support of Commissioner Crist. I have always appreciated his service to our community and his willingness to allow me the opportunity to continue serving on the Citizens Advisory Committee,” Patel said.
“I know that Commissioner Crist’s endorsement will help #Patel2018 continue our momentum as we continue our voter outreach approaching the August 28th primary election.”
Prior to Crist, Patel had received endorsements from Tarpon Springs U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, North Florida U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, former House Speaker Will Weatherford and Sarasota state Rep. Joe Gruters.
Patel faces Tampa attorney and fellow Republican C. Todd Marks in the primary. On Wednesday, Tampa businesswoman Jen McDonald replaced House Minority Leader Janet Cruz as the Democratic Party option in District 1. Cruz left the race last week to run for state Senate.
Patel is far in front, fundraising-wise, with more than $400,000 in total cash between his campaign and committee through the end of March. He had $260,525 banked heading into April.
