Jacob Ogles
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump issued a series of endorsements in Florida legislative contests. That included backing former St. Johns Sheriff David Shoar in an open Senate contest in Northeast Florida.
“David Shoar is a tremendous America First Patriot who is running to represent the incredible people of Florida’s 7th State Senate District!” Trump posted on Truth Social.
That puts Trump’s opinion in the open SD 7 contest contrary to the Florida Senate Republican Campaign Committee, which endorsed state Rep. Tom Leek in a competitive Republican Primary.
Trump signaled his support based on Shoar’s time in uniform.
“A Gulf War Army Veteran, David bravely served our Country, and has continued to fight to protect our Communities as St. Johns County Sheriff,” Trump wrote. “As your next State Senator, David will bring that same fighting Spirit to Bring Back the Great American Dream, Grow the Economy, Stop Inflation, Secure the Border, Support our Brave Military/Vets, Advance Election Integrity, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment.”
He also signaled Shoar’s position in the presidential Primary this year played a part. Leek was among 100 state lawmakers who endorsed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for President over Trump. DeSantis ultimately suspended his campaign after a poor showing in the Iowa caucuses.
“David Shoar, who is 100% MAGA, and has been with us from the very beginning, has my Complete and Total Endorsement – HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!” Trump posted.
Notably, Leek has endorsed Trump since DeSantis’ campaign stalled, and served as a Trump delegate at the Republican National Convention. Senate President-designate Ben Albritton at the RNC called for Shoar to leave the race, according to News4Jax.
With Trump endorsing Shoar, that once again puts him at political odds with DeSantis, who endorsed Leek in the SD 7 Primary.
Shoar only entered the race in June, and stressed his support of Trump from his campaign launch on.
Shoar, Leek and third Republican Gerry James face each other in an Aug. 20 Republican Primary. The winner will face Democrat George ‘T’ Hill in November, but the district is heavily Republican. More than 62% of voters in the district supported Trump for President in 2020, and more than 69% supported DeSantis’ re-election in 2022.
Trump on Truth Social also issues endorsements for several incumbent Republican state House members, including state Reps. Jessica Baker, Webster Barnaby, Juan Porras, Paula Stark and Kevin Steele. All endorsed Trump over DeSantis in the presidential Primary.
17 comments
Harold Finch
August 5, 2024 at 8:28 am
What a crock of shit! As a republican in the District I am strongly supporting Tom Leak, who has more integrity and class in his little finger that Trump and Shoar combined. Trump’s endorsement has outraged hundreds of republicans in this Seante District and he will see it at the Polls.
Trump, is a bombastic idiot and I think Harris will beat his dumbass!
Sam Reiner
August 6, 2024 at 4:57 pm
Shoar has integrity and values. He was a public servant for a long time and that’s better than “class” whatever in the hell that means. You’re probably just referring to money and aesthetics. We don’t need people like that in charge because they simply do for those who already have a pile of money. You’re a fool if you don’t vote for David Shoar. A damn fool..
Charles Newman
August 7, 2024 at 3:01 pm
You’re smoking crack and ice cocaine and drunk on liquor if you think Shoar isn’t a good man. You’ve lost it completely and need to be but in the psychiatric facility.
David Pakman
August 5, 2024 at 9:15 pm
David Shoar served his community for decades, served in uniform, and helped everyone that he possibly could over many years. He was and is still a great public servant and he’s the best man for the job. Vote for David Shoar.
Dan Reynolds
August 5, 2024 at 10:45 pm
Regardless of the Trump endorsement or not, David Shoar is the right man for the job. Most experience with public service. Just so many years. It would be a shame if Tom Leek, not the best man for the job, got the job. Happens all the time though..
UltraMAGA
August 6, 2024 at 12:11 am
Sheriff David Shoar is the only real America First candidate in Florida Senate District 7. Tom Leek is a uniparty globalist America Last RINO that got rich as a state representative passing laws to shield insurance companies while Floridians insurance premiums skyrocket and make Tom Leek $16 million in four years. Time for real America First Republicans to come out en masse and end Tom Leek’s pathetic grifting career by voting for the only candidate in this race endorsed by Donald J Trump, a US Military Veteran and Sheriff that put his life on the line for this country, David Shoar.
Bob McDowell
August 6, 2024 at 5:42 am
Trump is toast so nothing he says really matters. David Shoar is a good man and dedicated public servant. Vote for David Shoar.
Dan Samson
August 6, 2024 at 11:29 pm
I’ll be voting for David Shoar. Tom Leek and Gerry James aren’t qualified. Shoar was a public servant for so many years.. that effectively disqualifies the other two. Don’t vote for Tom Leek because he’s known. Vote for David Shoar because of his experience.
Pamela Marie
August 7, 2024 at 9:23 am
David Shoar is the most qualified. Vote for David Shoar.
Charles Newman
August 7, 2024 at 2:58 pm
Tom Leek is a rich buffoon. David Shoar a good public servant without greed. Vote for David Shoar.
Mary Ann Kay
August 7, 2024 at 7:32 pm
Vote for David Shoar. He served the country. He helped keep the community safe. He will serve Florida with the utmost competence and capability. Not so much the other two yoyos.
Allen Lichtman
August 8, 2024 at 10:37 am
David Shoar is Jesus Christ returned. Tom Leek comes as an angel of light but is really Satan. Gerry James is a closet drunk and conspiracy theorist. Vote for David Shoar.
John C Napier
August 9, 2024 at 10:29 pm
Not another one chose by God to be elected.
Ed Slavin (St. Augustine)
August 10, 2024 at 11:08 am
Chosen by God? David Shoar IS God. He’s Jesus Christ returned in the flesh. Will they crucify him again?
Ed Slavin (St. Augustine)
August 9, 2024 at 3:30 pm
Someone hacked my blog and trashed Shoar. I would like to correct it. If I was a Republican, I WOULD vote for David Shoar. He served his country and community well for decades. There is no one more qualified. Vote David Shoar for SD 7.
Jerry
August 9, 2024 at 6:15 pm
Amen brother. I’m voting for David Shoar as well and hopefully every one in St. Johns County does the same. David Shoar was an impeccable public servant for longer than some people have been alive.
Ed Slavin
August 16, 2024 at 6:34 am
Someone keeps impersonating me to endorse David Shoar. Please remove their posts.
Comments are closed.