Drew Wilson
Martin County Sheriff William Snyder on Thursday endorsed Stuart Rep. Gayle Harrell in the Republican Primary for Senate District 25.
“Gayle has deep roots in our community, has a proven record of success fighting for our priorities and is a true conservative. She believes and will stand up for the rule of law,” Snyder said. “I have known and worked with Representative Harrell for years. She is without a doubt the most-qualified to continue the legacy of exceptional representation in the Florida Senate that our community has enjoyed.”
Harrell accepted the endorsement, “I am thrilled to have the support of Sheriff Snyder and share his commitment to public safety in Martin County and throughout the Treasure Coast.”
Senate District 25 wasn’t scheduled to open up until 2020, however Senate President Joe Negron announced he would leave the chamber two years early. His decision prompted Gov. Rick Scott to call a special election, to be held concurrently with regularly scheduled 2018 election, to fill out the remainder of Negron’s term.
Negron has since announced his support for Harrell, as have former Senate President Ken Pruitt and the Florida Medical Association.
Harrell faces Belinda Keiser, vice chancellor of Keiser University, in the Republican Primary. Stuart Democrat Rob Levy is also running for the seat
SD 25 includes the whole of Martin and St. Lucie counties, where Harrell has held elected office for 16 of the past 18 years, as well as part of Palm Beach County. The district is safely Republican — Negron was re-elected with nearly two-thirds of the vote in the 2016 cycle.
The primary election is Aug. 28. The general election is Nov. 6.
