Drew Wilson
Republican Tommy Gregory announced Wednesday that Sarasota County Property Appraiser Bill Furst is endorsing his campaign to succeed Rep. Joe Gruters in House District 73.
“I’m proud to endorse Tommy Gregory,” said Furst. “There is no question in my mind that he has what it takes to serve us very well in Tallahassee. His leadership background and conservative principles make him very well qualified, and I look forward to working with him.”
The third-term property appraiser is the several others who have already announced their support for Gregory, including former U.S. Sen. Connie Mack III, Manatee Sheriff Brad Steube, Sarasota Sheriff Tom Knight, Zephyrhills Rep. Danny Burgess, former state Sen. Lisa Carlton and Steve Vernon, the second-place finisher in the 2016 HD 73 Republican primary.
“It’s an honor to have Bill Furst’s support,” said Gregory. “He sets a high standard for leadership and service in our community, and I look forward to working with him to serve our fellow citizens.”
Gregory faces Melissa Howard in the Republican Primary race. Democrat Liv Coleman is also running for the seat, though the GOP nominee will have has the best odds to replace Gruters in the Republican stronghold.
As of May 31, Gregory led the money race with nearly $180,000 raised and $162,775 banked between his campaign and political committee, Friends Of Tommy Gregory. Howard started June with more than $130,000 at the ready, including $100,000 in loans she used to kick-start her campaign in April.
HD 73 covers parts of Sarasota and Manatee counties. It is open in 2018 due to current Gruters’ decision to run for the Senate seat currently held by Sarasota Republican Sen. Greg Steube, who is running for Congress.
The primary election is Aug. 28.
