Dennis Lemma backs Joe Strada in CD 11

Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma is endorsing Joe Strada in the Republican Primary for Florida’s 11th Congressional District.

Lemma, a Marine Corps veteran who has led the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office since 2017, is the latest law enforcement leader to line up behind the Sanford-based businessman. Strada has already secured support from Attorney General James Uthmeier, Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey and State Attorney Bill Gladson, whose 5th Judicial Circuit covers much of the district.

“I am proud to endorse Joe Strada for Congress because I know the kind of man he is,” Lemma said. “Joe is a proven business leader, a devoted family man, and someone who has spent years giving back to our community. His unwavering support for law enforcement officers and their families, especially during their greatest times of need, speaks to his character and his heart for service.”

While Seminole County sits outside the district, the endorsement carries a hometown connection: Strada Services, the company Strada founded, is headquartered in Sanford, in Lemma’s jurisdiction.

“Washington needs more leaders who understand responsibility, accountability, and the importance of standing with the people who protect our communities,” Lemma added. “I know Joe will bring those values to Congress, and he has my full support.”

Strada got his start in the trades as a high school student working as a handyman at a bowling alley. His campaign describes Strada Services as the largest privately held, family-owned air conditioning, electric, security and plumbing company in the country, with more than 4,000 employees across 13 states — including several hundred at locations in Clermont, Wildwood and Tavares, all within the district. He lives in Central Florida with Karen, his wife of 41 years.

Strada launched his campaign in June with a $5 million personal investment, then followed with a $1 million ad blitz. Beyond his law-and-order backers, he has picked up nods from House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan, along with a slate of Central Florida elected officials.

The heavily Republican seat opened when U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster announced he would not seek another term. The district covers all of Sumter County and portions of Lake and Orange counties.

Strada’s chief rival for the nomination is former Sen. Carey Baker, the Lake County Property Appraiser, who carries the endorsement of Lake County Commissioner Anthony Sabatini. Sabatini suspended his own campaign in June rather than resign his County Commission seat after a judge ruled the state’s resign-to-run law applied to his bid. Steve Farley, Ivette Palomo, Nizam Razack and Tim Wilkins are also running in the Republican Primary.

The Primary is Aug. 18.

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Ed. note: This story was drafted with assistance from AI. Editorial judgment, sourcing, and final review were performed by Peter Schorsch and the Florida Politics editorial team.