Phil Ammann
Citing a staunch disapproval of Obamacare, former House Speaker Will Weatherford said he is endorsing Republican Paul Renner in the special election for Florida House District 24.
Renner, and attorney and Jacksonville native, is running to replace State Rep. Travis Hutson, who vacated the District 24 seat to enter the special election for Senate District 6. District 24 includes Flagler County and parts of St. Johns and Volusia Counties.
“(Renner) is a proven leader who will fight for less government and free enterprise,” Weatherford said in a statement on Thursday. “He understands government should not be too large or overly burdensome on its citizens.
“And, I am certain that if the residents of House District 24 elect Paul, he will staunchly oppose the Medicaid expansion proposed in Obamacare.”
Earlier last year, only two votes separated Renner and Jay Fant in his GOP primary victory for House District 15. Since launching the District 24 campaign, Renner has received endorsements from the Florida Medical Association PAC, the National Rifle Association (NRA) and Unified Sportsmen of Florida.
Renner called Weatherford’s endorsement “humbling,” adding that the former Speaker “was a skilled leader” of the House over the past two years.
“His unwavering opposition to Obamacare and commitment to finding free market solutions to health care policy is a legacy I hope to continue if elected,” Renner said.” I firmly believe that government-run health care is not the right direction for the residents of Northeast Florida and citizens across the state.”
Renner faces Sheamus McNeeley, Ron Sanchez and Danielle Anderson in the GOP primary set for Jan. 27. The winner will face Democrat Adam Morley on April 7.
