Janelle Irwin Taylor
Tampa Bay area state Sens. Jay Collins and Danny Burgess are adding their names to the growing list of endorsers for Ryan Gill in his race for Florida House District 68. The two Republican Senators join Reps. Lawrence McClure, who currently represents the district, Danny Alvarez and Mike Owen, and Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister in supporting Gill.
“Ryan Gill is a principled conservative and fighter for our farmers and ranchers. He is a businessman who knows what it takes to grow our economy and support Florida businesses,” Collins said. “I am confident that with Ryan Gill in the State House, East Hillsborough County will have a leader who fights for our shared, conservative values in the state Capitol.”
Burgess said he’s worked with Gill before on agricultural issues, and has “witnessed a passionate and relentless advocate for the hardworking men and women that help feed our state and country.”
Gill, a fellow Republican and a local cattle rancher, is running to succeed McClure in the east Hillsborough seat. Gill is so far the only candidate filed for the race. McClure cannot seek re-election due to term limits and has endorsed Gill as his preferred successor.
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.
“Ryan’s conservative philosophy, coupled with his long history of service to our community, make him the perfect choice to represent District 68 in the Florida House of Representative,” Burgess added.
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.
Gill has not yet posted any fundraising activity for his race. He just entered the race this month.
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%.
