Citrus County Commissioner Diana Finegan picks up 2 key endorsements

Two prominent politicians have taken the unusual step of weighing in on a contested Republican Primary by endorsing Citrus County Commissioner Diana Finegan’s re-election.

U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis and state Sen. Ralph Massullo are throwing their support behind Finegan in what is expected to be a volatile District 2 race.

Stacey Worthington, who lost a Republican Primary to Finegan four years ago, is running again. So far, she is Finegan’s only opponent.

Finegan announced both endorsements on her campaign Facebook page.

“Throughout her time in office, Commissioner Finegan has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to serving her community with integrity, transparency, and a results-driven approach. I have truly enjoyed working alongside her to advance policies that put our communities first and reflect strong, America First priorities,” said Bilirakis, a Palm Harbor Republican.

“Her dedication to protecting taxpayers, supporting public safety, and promoting fiscal responsibility has made a meaningful difference for the families she serves. Commissioner Finegan is a proven leader who brings people together to get things done. She has worked tirelessly to ensure that local government remains responsive and accountable, while never losing sight of the values that matter most to her constituents.”

Massullo, a Lecanto Republican who served eight years in the House before being elected to Senate District 11 last year, called Finegan a “disciplined leader.”

“Diana Finegan is a principled, thoughtful, disciplined leader who is both deliberate and measured in her words and her actions,” Massullo said.

“She cares about the people she serves, the environment she strives to protect and the community she tirelessly promotes. She has done a fine job serving on, and most recently chairing, the Citrus County Board of County Commissioners these last four years and I believe she has earned your support for re-election.” 

Worthington, past president of the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce, dismissed the endorsements as irrelevant.

“Political endorsements from Washington and Tallahassee don’t fix local problems,” she said. “In fact, in the last election cycle, candidates with political endorsements didn’t come out on top because voters want results, not political insiders. This race is about local leadership, accountability, and putting our community first.”