Ashely Moody brings statewide star power to SD 14 race, backs ‘conservative champion’ Josie Tomkow

U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody is throwing her weight behind state Rep. Josie Tomkow as she runs for a seat in the upper chamber, in Florida Senate District 14. Tomkow is running to replace former Sen. Jay Collins, who left the post after Gov. Ron DeSantis tapped him to be Lieutenant Governor. 

“Josie Tomkow is a conservative champion and has served in the Florida House during a time of great consequence – throughout it all, she stood up for individual freedom and protected the rights and liberty of each and every Floridian. We can count on Josie Tomkow to keep fighting to preserve the Free State of Florida,” Moody said.

And Moody would know. Until earlier this year, she was part of an all-Republican Governor’s cabinet as the state Attorney General. 

Now serving in the U.S. Senate, Moody’s endorsement has perhaps even more weight. And it adds to a rapidly growing list of supporters. 

On Wednesday, state Senate leadership threw its weight behind Tomkow after Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Melanie Griffin announced she had reconsidered her bid for the seat and suspended her campaign, paving the way for Tomkow to solidify as the GOP front-runner and likely the front-runner in the General Election, too. 

Even before that, Tomkow had entered the race last week with a host of initial supporters, including U.S. Rep. Laurel Lee; state Reps. Lawrence McClure, the House budget chief, Danny Alvarez, Traci Koster and Michael Owen; Tampa Bay area Sheriffs; and Hillsborough County Commissioner Christine Miller.

“Sen. Moody’s record reflects a commitment to the shared values of our conservative cause. We are all fortunate for her service to Florida, both as Attorney General and in the United States Senate. I am so incredibly grateful for her endorsement and can’t wait to work together to continue to make Florida the best state in the nation,” Tomkow said of her latest endorsement. 

One other Republican, Amaro Lionheart, is also running, though he is not expected to pose a threat. The Special Primary is set for Jan. 13.

As of now, there will be a Special General Election on March 24. One Democrat, Brian Nathan, has filed to run.

Over the past several years, Tomkow has proved herself to be a quiet force in the House. As a cattle rancher, she provided strong representation for agricultural communities, and she remains a key member of Speaker Daniel Perez’s leadership team, helping shape numerous legislative packages beyond just her own bills.

With Perez still holding another year in his leadership tenure, his backing would all but guarantee plenty of cash to keep the seat for the GOP and to help with other campaign needs, with friends in high places to help as well.

Hillsborough County-based SD 14 favors Republicans slightly, with Republicans controlling nearly 39% of the electorate. Democrats account for just under 32% of district voters, while independents make up more than 29%.