Kelly Hayes
Greater Tampa Realtors (GTR) has endorsed state Sen. Janet Cruz for re-election to Florida Senate District 14.
The organization, representing over 15,000 members as the area’s largest Tampa Bay real estate association, praised Cruz’s efforts in championing affordable housing.
“Sen. Janet Cruz understands the significance of housing affordability and how it can transform generations of people in an area. As Tampa Bay faces an unprecedented housing market, we need passionate advocates for fair housing like Senator Cruz in our state’s capitol. The Greater Tampa Realtors are proud to endorse Janet Cruz for re-election to the Florida Senate,” the organization wrote in a statement.
Cruz has recently rolled out several endorsements, including those of Florida Planned Parenthood, Tampa Congresswoman Kathy Castor, SEIU Florida, Equality Florida and Ruth’s List Florida, which promotes the election of Democratic women who support abortion rights.
“Thank you for this endorsement. At a time where the housing market is at the forefront of many conversations, it’s important to have a collaborative partner who works to advocate for responsible growth, housing affordability, and the dream of home ownership,” Cruz said in a statement.
Cruz faces one challenger in her re-election race — Republican Shawn Harrison. Harrison previously served in state House District 63, but was defeated in 2018 by current state Rep. Fentrice Driskell, a Democrat.
Harrison will likely face a tough race against the incumbent, who has held the Senate seat since 2018. Before that, Cruz served in the state House from 2010-2018, including as the Minority Leader. Cruz also boasts a strong reputation in Tampa Bay as a cornerstone of the party’s presence.
The district makeup appears to lean slightly Democratic, with 51.8% of the district going to President Joe Biden in the 2020 election, and 48.2% supporting Donald Trump — a difference of about 10,000 voters.
