Brian Mast backs ‘exceptionally well-qualified’ Blaise Ingoglia in CFO race

U.S. Rep. Brian Mast is throwing his support behind Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia, who is seeking his first election as CFO.

The Treasure Coast Republican said Ingoglia is primed to win the election.

“Blaise Ingoglia has demonstrated steadfast leadership and a clear commitment to protecting Florida’s taxpayers. His record of fiscal discipline, integrity, and accountability makes him exceptionally well-qualified to serve as CFO. Florida will be well served by his continued dedication and experience, and I will be proud to vote for him myself,” Mast said in a news release.

Mast is the second member of Congress to back Ingoglia in as many weeks. Republican U.S. Rep. Kat Commack endorsed Ingoglia on April 7.

Ingoglia said he is encouraged to get Mast’s support.

“I am honored to receive Congressman Mast’s endorsement,” Ingoglia said. “Brian is a patriot who has dedicated his life to serving our country and fighting for Florida in Washington. I look forward to continuing our shared mission of protecting taxpayers, and keeping Florida the best place to live, work, and raise a family.”

Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Ingoglia as CFO last year. Ingoglia is a former Chair of the Republican Party of Florida who was a state Senator from Spring Hill before he was picked to replace Jimmy Patronis.

Ingoglia has also garnered support from several first responder organizations. He has been traveling the state distributing a combined $28 million in grants to Fire Departments and emergency workers throughout the past year.

Ingoglia is competing against two other Republicans in the Aug. 18 Republican Primary: Frank Collige and Benjamin Horbowy. But neither have raised significant funds to challenge Ingoglia.

No-party candidate John Smith is also running. No Democrat has filed. But assuming Smith makes the ballot, non-GOP voters would be locked out of voting in the August Republican Primary.