Drew Wilson
Republican Aakash Patel announced Monday that Hillsborough County Firefighters Local 2294, which represents more than 1,000 area firefighters, has endorsed his campaign for Hillsborough County Commission.
“Hillsborough County Firefighters proudly support Aakash Patel for Hillsborough County Commission District 1. Mr. Patel has an extensive history of supporting all aspects of Hillsborough County public safety. His experiences have given him a greater insight into the daily challenges of public servants,” Local 2294 president Derrik Ryan and vice president Jose Prado said in an announcement.
The firefighter union is the latest in a string of endorsements for Patel. Past endorsements include Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera, U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, Panhandle U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, former House Speaker Will Weatherford, Zephyrhills Rep. Danny Burgess and Sarasota Rep. Joe Gruters.
“It means a lot to me to have received the Endorsement of the Hillsborough County Firefighters. These true first responders show daily their appreciation for our community as they serve to protect us. We, as a community, are extremely fortunate to have them. I am so very grateful for their support and endorsement. It will be such an honor to have their hard work and support in my #Patel2018 campaign,” Patel said.
Patel is one of three candidates running for District 1, currently held by Commissioner Sandra Murman, who is running for the countywide District 7 seat in the fall. Patel is running against Tampa attorney C. Todd Marks and Democratic businesswoman Jen McDonald, who filed in mid-April.
Patel has built a large lead in the fundraising race. As of April 30, he had raised nearly $332,000 for his campaign and had another $101,000 through an affiliated political committee. He has $267,311 on hand between the two accounts.
Marks has raised $80,150 and has nearly $79,000 on hand, while McDonald raised $4,345 in her first report and has about $4,200 in the bank.
