Lawrence McClure backs Ryan Gill as a ‘constitutional conservative’ successor in HD 68

Republican Rep. Lawrence McClure is throwing his weight behind a potential successor, endorsing Ryan Gill as he runs to replace McClure in House District 68.

Gill, a fellow Republican and a local cattle rancher, is so far the only candidate filed for the race. McClure cannot seek re-election due to term limits.

“Our community needs leaders who will be relentless in pursuit of conservative, results-oriented solutions to Florida’s challenges. As a local businessman and longtime community leader, Ryan Gill will bring a Constitutional conservative’s perspective to the state Capitol. I’m proud to endorse him for the Florida House of Representatives,” McClure said.

Reps. Danny Alvarez and Mike Owen have also offered their support.

“Florida needs leaders NOW … not more politicians and Ryan Gill delivers,” Alvarez said.

“I’ve known Ryan for many years and he will fight day and night for his district. He is a pillar of our East Hillsborough community who understands how important it is that we protect our unique quality of life, stand up for our conservative values and protect our freedoms. He will be a phenomenal member and I can think of no one better to serve alongside in the Florida House.”

Owen, who previously served as a Hillsborough County Commissioner, said he’s known Gill “for many years” and trusts that “he will fight day and night for his district.”

“He understands how important it is that we protect our unique quality of life, stand up for our conservative values and protect our freedoms. I can think of no one better to serve alongside in the Florida House,” Owen said.

Gill is a cattle rancher who was born and raised in east Hillsborough. His family has cultivated the same land for more than 120 years. He and his wife of 18 years, Kaylie Gill, and their four children — Eli, Ella, Cuttler and Emma Grace — are keeping the agricultural legacy going by managing the family farming and ranching operations.

HD 68 covers a swath of northeastern Hillsborough County, including Plant City. The district is heavily Republican, with an electorate that’s 43% Republican and 27% Democrat, with the remainder composed of third- and no-party voters, according to the most recent L2 voter data.

McClure easily won re-election in the district in the only two contests since reapportionment. Last year, he defeated Democratic nominee Lisa Carpus 63%-34%. In 2022, he defeated Democratic nominee Lorissa Wright 68%-32%.

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Drew Wilson of Florida Politics contributed to this report.